President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged Nigeria’s commitment to team up with other countries in order to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Presidential media aide, Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as making the pledge when he received the Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, Florentina Ukonga, at State House, Abuja on Thursday.

According to Adesina, Buhari said that it was important that security along the region was strengthened because most of the crude oil stolen from Nigeria is transported through the Gulf of Guinea.

He said: “That region, between Senegal and Angola, affects our financial and physical security as a country. Nigeria will, therefore, meet all its obligations to the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and also encourage other member countries to do the same.”

“This administration will do its best to strengthen maritime security. The rejuvenation of the Gulf of Guinea Commission is vital, and Nigeria will participate more effectively because of the security implications,” Buhari added.

The Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission told the Nigerian President that Commission was established in 2001, with the mandate to tackle piracy, unregulated fishing, drugs and human trafficking and environmental pollution, among others.

The Commission, with headquarters in Luanda, Angola, also creates awareness among member states on the need to maintain appreciable security in their territorial waters.

“We have been giving the bad guys in maritime a run for their money,” the Executive Secretary said.

The Commission has eight countries as members from West and Central Africa, with an intention to admit more countries soon.