Nigeria has urged the United Nations Security Council to support the establishment of a regional maritime surveillance network to tackle piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing and other security threats across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Federal Government also called for sustainable international funding to strengthen joint maritime operations and improve cooperation among coastal countries facing increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, presented the proposals during a Security Council debate on emerging technologies and maritime security on Thursday, October 29.
Nigeria Raises Alarm Over Technology-Driven Maritime Crime
Addressing the Security Council, Ahmed warned that criminal organisations operating in the Gulf of Guinea were adopting advanced technologies to conceal illegal activities and avoid detection.
He identified piracy, kidnapping for ransom, oil theft and illegal fishing as major threats affecting maritime security, commercial shipping and regional economic interests.
According to the diplomat, criminal groups increasingly exploit satellite communication systems and manipulate vessel identification signals to disguise their movements.
Such tactics make it more difficult for maritime authorities to identify suspicious vessels, monitor shipping routes and respond quickly to criminal activity.
Ahmed stressed that the growing sophistication of maritime crime requires stronger international cooperation and improved technological capabilities.
Nigeria Proposes Shared Maritime Surveillance Network
As part of its recommendations, Nigeria proposed a regional maritime information system that would connect surveillance platforms operated by countries across the Gulf of Guinea.
The proposed network would allow participating governments to exchange intelligence, track suspicious vessels and coordinate security responses more effectively.
Ahmed explained that although some countries possess advanced maritime monitoring systems, others lack the equipment, trained personnel and intelligence infrastructure required to protect their territorial waters.
He said bridging these gaps would be essential to building a coordinated regional response to piracy and other maritime crimes.
Nigeria therefore urged the Security Council to encourage international partners to provide technical assistance and support the proposed surveillance arrangement.
The government specifically identified the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as important partners.
Deep Blue Project Highlighted as Nigeria’s Maritime Security Model
Ahmed pointed to Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project as an example of how modern technology can strengthen maritime security operations.
The initiative combines maritime surveillance equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles and an integrated command-and-control system to monitor activities at sea.
According to the permanent secretary, these capabilities have improved Nigeria’s ability to identify potential threats and coordinate responses to security incidents.
The project forms part of broader national efforts to protect shipping routes, offshore installations and maritime economic activities.
Ahmed also highlighted the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act of 2019, which provides a legal framework for investigating and prosecuting piracy and related maritime offences.
He said technological investment must be supported by effective legislation and cooperation among law enforcement institutions.
Gulf of Guinea Security Plan to Build on Yaoundé Framework
Nigeria proposed that the regional surveillance system should operate within the existing Yaoundé maritime security architecture.
The framework supports cooperation among West and Central African countries in combating piracy, armed robbery at sea and other maritime crimes.
By linking national surveillance systems through this structure, participating countries could improve information-sharing and coordinate responses across maritime boundaries.
Ahmed maintained that the effectiveness of regional security arrangements would depend on the willingness of governments to share intelligence and maintain operational cooperation.
He also called for fairer access to surveillance technology, particularly for developing coastal countries with limited resources.
Nigeria Seeks Funding for Joint Maritime Security Operations
Beyond technology, Nigeria urged the Security Council to consider more predictable financial support for African-led maritime security initiatives.
Ahmed recalled that the African Union Peace and Security Council endorsed the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea in April 2025.
He disclosed that Nigeria had been recommended to host the proposed task force’s headquarters.
The planned arrangement is intended to strengthen cooperation among participating countries and provide a more coordinated response to security threats.
Ahmed encouraged the Security Council to examine whether Resolution 2719 could provide an appropriate basis for supporting eligible African-led maritime operations.
The resolution establishes a framework through which certain African Union-led peace support operations may receive financing from United Nations assessed contributions, subject to specific conditions and Security Council authorisation.
Nigeria’s request does not mean that funding for the proposed maritime task force has already been approved.
Nigeria Reaffirms Cooperation With ECOWAS, ECCAS and African Union
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with regional and international organisations to strengthen maritime security.
Ahmed identified the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union as central partners in the proposed security arrangements.
He said coordinated action was necessary because maritime criminal networks frequently operate across national boundaries.
The government believes stronger regional surveillance, intelligence-sharing and sustained funding could improve the ability of coastal states to respond to piracy, illegal fishing and crude oil theft.
Maritime Security Remains Critical to Regional Trade
The Gulf of Guinea is an important maritime corridor for international shipping, energy transportation and commercial activity across West and Central Africa.
Security threats in the region can disrupt trade, endanger seafarers and create additional costs for governments and businesses.
Nigeria’s latest appeal reflects the need to address these risks through stronger technology, coordinated enforcement and international partnerships.
The proposals also highlight the importance of ensuring that countries with limited surveillance resources can participate effectively in regional security operations.
For Nigeria and its neighbours, the central challenge will be translating the proposed cooperation framework into a functional surveillance network capable of identifying threats and supporting timely responses.
