Abuja, 9^th May 2018. The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), General Francis Behanzin has called on Nigeria to play a leadership role in ensuring maritime security in the region.

Addressing Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas during a courtesy visit on 9^th May 2018 in Abuja, Nigeria, the commissioner highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s role in ensuring peace and security in the region and called for it to lead in order to improve collaboration of Chiefs of Naval Staff among ECOWAS Member states.

On his part, Vice Admiral Ibas commended the good relationship between the ECOWAS Commission and Nigeria. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to cooperating with ECOWAS Member States in securing the gulf of guinea which he described as crucial to the peace, stability and economy of the region.

To this end, the Chief of Naval Staff proposed that ECOWAS should establish a gulf of guinea anti-piracy task force.

He described the courtesy visit as a step in the right direction which will enable ECOWAS and Nigeria address the challenges they encounter in maritime security.

Also in attendance of courtesy visit was the Chief of Staff, ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), Brigadier General Usman Abdulmumuni Yusuf and the ESF Head of Regional Security, Colonel Dieng Abdourahmane.