Abuja – Leaders of Nigeria’s government have been urged to ratify the African Union’s Malabo Protocol, a legal instrument designed to bolster cooperation against terrorism and other transnational crimes.
The call was made during a security and governance dialogue on Thursday, where participants highlighted the urgency of strengthening legal frameworks to address escalating insecurity in Nigeria and across the continent. Constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud, speaking at the event, said that ratifying the protocol would improve regional collaboration, facilitate intelligence sharing and reinforce the prosecution of terrorism‑related offences.
“The Malabo Protocol provides a solid legal framework for African countries to jointly address terrorism, cybercrime, corruption and other cross‑border crimes threatening peace and stability on the continent,” Mahdok said. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to demonstrate commitment by fast‑tracking both ratification and implementation.
Adopted by the African Union in 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, the protocol expands the jurisdiction of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights to include international crimes such as terrorism, piracy, cybercrime and corruption. It also establishes mechanisms for mutual legal assistance, extradition and the sharing of evidence among member states.
Nigeria, which has faced a surge in insurgent attacks, banditry and kidnapping, is among the countries most affected by these threats. Advocates argue that formal acceptance of the protocol would align domestic legislation with continental standards, enabling more coordinated responses and enhancing the capacity of law‑enforcement agencies.
The dialogue’s participants called for immediate legislative action, noting that without ratification the protocol’s provisions remain inoperative for Nigeria. They also emphasized the need for accompanying policy measures, including training for security personnel and the development of technical infrastructure to support cross‑border investigations.
If ratified, the Malabo Protocol would obligate Nigeria to cooperate with other African Union members in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes, and to contribute to the African Court’s expanded mandate. Observers view the move as a potential catalyst for deeper regional integration in security matters.
Stakeholders expect President Tinubu’s administration to prioritize the protocol in upcoming legislative sessions, with the National Assembly’s endorsement seen as a critical step toward full implementation. The outcome could shape Nigeria’s role in continental security initiatives and influence broader efforts to curb terrorism and organized crime throughout Africa.
