Workshop on Maritime Security in the context of counter-terrorism in the GoG
New Regional Initiative to Address Maritime Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea
The Gulf of Guinea faces growing threats from piracy, terrorism, and transnational crime that jeopardize regional stability and global shipping routes. To address this, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and its Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the support of Italy, held a three-day workshop titled “Maritime Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea” from 20-22 May 2025.
Over 50 experts from Gulf of Guinea countries, regional and international partners convened in Lagos, Nigeria to share good practices and experience in maritime security at national, regional and international levels.
Key objectives of the event included raising awareness of maritime terrorism, documenting region-specific experiences, and promoting the adoption of these practices across national and regional institutions.
A Critical Priority
In a video message, Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism stressed the region’s strategic importance and the central role of maritime security to “global peace, stability, and sustainable development” and highlighted the “urgent need for cooperation, technology, and capacity-building to counter piracy, trafficking, and terrorism “
This workshop supports global efforts including the UN Security Council Resolution 2634 (2022) and the Pact for the Future, which call for stronger multilateral cooperation on maritime security.
Updating Good Practices
The workshop contributed to advance the “Compendium of Good Practices for Maritime Border Management in the Context of Counter-Terrorism,” originally focused on Eastern and Southern Africa. This event aimed to integrate perspectives from West and Central Africa to better address Africa’s unique maritime security challenges.
Regional Cooperation and Technology
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, called for a regional Joint Task Force to enhance coordination against maritime crime and terrorism. Nigeria Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nandap emphasized integrated, technology-driven responses, with a focus on “inter-agency cooperation, terrorist financing countermeasures, and community engagement”.
Toward a Safer Gulf of Guinea
The workshop concluded with a commitment to finalize and publish the updated Compendium aimed to guide member states in preventing and responding to maritime terrorism and crime. Minister Tunji-Ojo noted, “This is a milestone in building a united front against terrorism and crime in our waters.”
With stronger regional cooperation, improved legal frameworks, and international support—the Gulf of Guinea is advancing its maritime security efforts against evolving threats including maritime terrorism.
