The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed an agreement with the African Union (AU) to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for peace support operations, humanitarian actions, natural disaster response, and personnel movement across the continent.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, signed the agreement on behalf of the country, while Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the African Union.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
1. The agreement mandates the Nigerian Navy to provide a vessel for AU peace operations on a cost-recovery basis.
2. The signing was witnessed by top Nigerian officials, including:
A. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi
B. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar
C. Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla
D. Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed
Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Security
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the agreement and expressed satisfaction with the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for adopting key security resolutions.
Among these decisions was the upgrade of the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre—a move aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
Additionally, Tinubu commended the renewal of the Multinational Joint Taskforce’s mandate, which plays a crucial role in tackling terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad region.
This agreement further reinforces Nigeria’s strategic role in regional peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and humanitarian operations across Africa.
