Nigeria Seeks Maritime Security Partnership with The Gambia

February 27, 2025

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed the country’s desire to strengthen maritime collaboration with The Gambia. This initiative aims to enhance security and economic activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

During a recent meeting with Gambian officials, Oyetola highlighted the importance of joint efforts in combating maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling. He emphasized that a unified approach would not only safeguard the region’s waters but also boost trade and investment opportunities for both nations.

The proposed partnership includes sharing intelligence, conducting joint naval exercises, and establishing protocols for emergency response. Both countries are also considering the development of a framework to facilitate seamless communication between their maritime agencies.

This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to foster regional cooperation in maritime security, recognizing that collaborative efforts are essential to address the complex challenges facing the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gambia has responded positively to Nigeria’s proposal, with officials expressing readiness to work closely in achieving mutual maritime security goals. Discussions are ongoing, and both nations are optimistic about finalizing a formal agreement in the near future.

Strengthening maritime security is expected to have a significant impact on economic growth, as safer waters will encourage increased commercial activities, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable use of marine resources.

As Nigeria and The Gambia move towards this collaborative effort, stakeholders in the maritime industry are hopeful that such partnerships will lead to a more secure and prosperous Gulf of Guinea region.