Tinubu Departs Abuja for Aqaba Process Security Meeting in Rome
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, October 12, for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting, focusing on solutions to the escalating security crisis in West Africa.
The high-profile summit, which begins on October 14, will bring together Heads of State, senior intelligence and military officials from several African nations, as well as representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. The discussions will centre on counter-terrorism cooperation, maritime security, and strategies to curb cross-border crimes.
About the Aqaba Process
The Aqaba Process is a counter-terrorism initiative launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan. Co-chaired by Jordan and Italy, the platform facilitates collaboration among global and regional leaders to address terrorism, violent extremism, and emerging threats to global peace.
This year’s session will focus on the rise of terrorist networks in West Africa, the link between terrorism and organized crime, and the increasing overlap between Sahel-based terrorism and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Participants will also discuss ways to combat online radicalisation, disrupt digital terror networks, and strengthen regional intelligence sharing.
Tinubu’s Expected Role
President Tinubu is expected to participate actively in plenary discussions and hold bilateral talks with other world leaders on strengthening regional cooperation to address insecurity in the subregion.
The President will be accompanied by:
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu–Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence
Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser
Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
And other senior government officials.
The Aqaba Process Meeting is seen as a vital opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s partnerships with key allies in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and piracy across Africa.
