By Stella Okocha
Harboursandport.com: Lagos - May 21, 2025: The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, in conjunction with the office of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center, UNCCT, organized a three-day Regional workshop to address "Maritime Security in the context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea."
The held in Lagos, was attended by the Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-olu, represented by his Chief of Staff - Mr Tayo Ayinde, The Republic of Italy Consulate General Consul in Lagos - Mr Ugo Boni, The Senate Committee Chairman on Interior -Comrade Adams Oshiomole, The Minister of Interior- Dr Olubummi Tunji-Ojo, The Comptroller General of Customs - Adewale Adeniyi, The Inspector of General of Police - Koyode Egbetokun and other security agencies connected to maritime sector.
The Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap while delivering her keynote address, stressed that there is an urgent need for security agencies to collaborate to combat terrorism, piracy, arm smuggling and human trafficking that threatens the regional economic growth and stability within the borders.
Nanna stated that the theme for the workshop was apt and timely in evaluating and rethinking security under the present circumstances of evolving maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). She also revealed that the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Cape Verde, recently convened a high-level regional meeting of heads of African Counter-Terrorism and Security agencies (April 7-8,2025); and the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chief of Naval staffs meeting was held in Praia, Cabo Verde in 25th - 27th of February, 2025, was all to discuss critical maritime security issues in the region.
"We are proud to co-host this initiative with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center (UNCCT), to share our commitment in enhancing maritime security in our region. Our collective resolve to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling and human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organized crimes; aims to achieve sound policies, capacity building, community engagements, collaboration and regional partnership.
She stressed that the West African Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Guinea has always been known for piracy, especially in countries near Nigeria like Cameroon, Equitoral Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, and Ghana; and due to the offshore Oil and Gas reserves, the region plays a crucial role in the global energy sector; but the illegal activities within that region also affects the vessels and crew members, hence the need to combat the insecurities within the borders.
"Beyond Oil and Gas, harnessing the economic potential of the GoG resonates with the Agenda 2063: the Africa we want, and the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy, Policy Framework and Reform strategy for fisheries and acquacultue in Africa."
The NIS boss called on her sister agencies to join in the collaboration since the threat is transnational and no agency or government involved in border security and migration management can operate independently .
Also speaking at the event , the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the CGI for Identifying the critical areas where the workshop should be focused on; and also agrees with her that it is important that the agency maintains a credible database of activities within the Maritime borders.
"I understand the importance of sharing intelligence and having legislative framework. All terrorists operating along our shores are driven by narcotics, and we must understand how they use the financial system to fund their activities."
Adeniyi added that it is very important for security agencies to understand how terrorism is financed, and also critically close-up gaps through which illegal monies is sent across to them.
Also in his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Olubummi Tunji-Ojo commended the Immigration boss for putting up such a program, since the security of the borders is of great importance to him.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the fact that NIS is leading in a comprehensive review of the country's border strategy, undescoring the urgency of implementation; and the workshop is a pivotal step towards safeguarding Nigeria's Future.
"With over 230 million population, with 70% under the age of 40, it is important we prevent radicalization and exploitation of Nigeria youthful population by criminals and terrorists networks.
"The time to act is now, and our focus is not a short term but a system that outlast political circles ".
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