The Nigerian Navy is set to host the 2024 Symposium of the Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Guinea countries. Scheduled for November 26–28 in Abuja, the event marks the eighth edition of the symposium and will be held in collaboration with the European Union and the French Navy.
In a statement released by the Director Of Naval Information Commodore A Adams- Aliu, he said that this year’s theme of “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea,” underscores the critical need for enhanced maritime security in the region. The symposium aims to foster stronger cooperation and coordination among Gulf of Guinea nations to improve maritime law enforcement and governance.
Key discussions will focus on strengthening regional partnerships and addressing the challenges of maritime safety and security. Participants will explore strategies to bolster the implementation of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct—a framework established to combat maritime crimes and promote safe navigation in the region.
The event will feature two days of strategic sessions, including topics such as regional and international cooperation for maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing. Legal and regulatory frameworks for maritime operations will also be extensively discussed. These sessions aim to provide actionable insights and tools for addressing the contemporary challenges facing maritime stakeholders in the Gulf of Guinea.
The region’s maritime environment is of immense global importance, hosting robust commercial activities that underpin the economies of over 25 Central and West African countries. The Gulf of Guinea contributes significantly to the global energy landscape, accounting for 15% of global oil consumption and 5–6% of global oil production. With proven oil reserves estimated at 50–60 billion barrels and handling about 30% of global maritime traffic, the region’s role in the global economy cannot be overstated.
The symposium will gather heads of Navies and Coast Guards from Gulf of Guinea countries alongside regional and international representatives, offering a platform to analyze maritime security challenges and develop integrated approaches to address them effectively. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of sustained partnerships in safeguarding one of the world’s most vital maritime regions.
