Gulf Of Guinea Economic Collaboration Takes Centre Stage At UNGA 80th Roundtable

New York, NY – A high-level roundtable convened during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) has laid the groundwork for enhanced economic collaboration and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The roundtable, held on September 25th, brought together global thought leaders, policymakers, private sector representatives, and civil society figures to explore opportunities in the region’s energy, oil and gas, minerals, and maritime sectors.

According to Oma Djebah, former Commissioner for Information in Delta State and diplomat, who convened the event, the discussions focused on forging “pragmatic, enduring partnerships” to unlock the full economic potential of the Gulf of Guinea, one of Africa’s most strategic regions.

The landmark gathering of nearly 100 attendees, chaired by Prof Ibrahim Gambari, scholar-diplomat, former Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and erstwhile United Nations Under-Secretary-General, yielded significant resolutions, including:

Proposed Establishment of the Gulf of Guinea Business Council (GoGBC): This council aims to foster collaboration between the private sector and governments in the Gulf of Guinea, along with development partners, to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and unlock the region’s full economic potential.
Creation of the CMTF – GoG Mission Steering Committee (MSC): This committee is designed to bring together regional blocs and stakeholders.
Broad Support for Nigeria’s Bid to Host the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF-GoG) in Lagos, Nigeria: The roundtable participants expressed strong support for Nigeria’s ambition to host the CMTF-GoG, reflecting the region’s commitment to maritime security.

The roundtable boasted an impressive roster of participants including Ghada Fathy Waly, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Emmanuella Blatmann, Head, Africa Division at France’s MFA, Rita Laranjinha, Portugal’s Special Envoy to Africa and former Portugal’s Ambassador to Denmark, Admiral Awwal Z. Gambo, 21st Chief of the Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy, Mr Solomon Ewanehi, Group CEO of Solewant Group, Amb Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and numerous ambassadors and business leaders.

The outcomes of the roundtable signify a renewed commitment to fostering economic growth and stability in the Gulf of Guinea through strategic partnerships and regional collaboration.