President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the Aqaba Process Heads of State Meeting in Rome, Italy. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, aimed to strengthen global cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism. According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Aqaba Process, launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, seeks to foster security collaboration through strategic dialogue among nations.
The Rome edition of the meeting focused on boosting international efforts to combat terrorism in West Africa. In attendance were leaders from several countries, including King Abdullah II, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Togo, Paraguay, and Sierra Leone. Also present were representatives from various countries, including Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, as well as security experts and special envoys.
On the sidelines of the meeting, President Tinubu held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. presidential adviser on Arab-African affairs, Massad Boulos. He also met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to discuss religious harmony and national unity. The meeting addressed false narratives portraying Nigeria as intolerant of religious diversity and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The Aqaba Process has hosted 33 sessions since its inception, ranging from expert roundtables to Head of State meetings. Its strategy is anchored on three pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism responses. The process has brought together nations to share experiences and best practices in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
By attending the Aqaba Process Heads of State Meeting, President Tinubu demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global efforts to combat terrorism. The meeting provided a platform for Nigeria to engage with other countries and international organizations to address the security challenges facing the region. As the global community continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism, the Aqaba Process remains an important initiative for promoting cooperation and coordination among nations.
