By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The ripple effects of renewed fighting in the Red Sea could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting the cost of fuel, food and global trade, Nigeria has warned.
The Federal Government said the continued attacks on commercial vessels and threats to the Bab al-Mandab Strait risk destabilising one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, with consequences for energy supplies and economies already battling inflation.
The government warned that disruptions along the shipping route could affect supply chains, increase freight costs and place additional pressure on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.
“These developments, without mincing words, pose a serious threat to the security of one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors and risk further destabilising global energy markets,” it pointed out.
Persecondnews correspondent reports that Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa announced Nigeria’s stance at a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.
Nigeria highlighted that the fresh turmoil comes while the world is already dealing with the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing tension around the Strait of Hormuz.
It said both crises have affected the global economy by driving up inflation, disrupting food and energy supplies and slowing international growth.
The government said, as a major oil-producing nation and a responsible member of the international community, Nigeria is concerned about the impact of any blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and warned that sustained disruption of shipping lanes in the Red Sea would have direct consequences for global oil supply chains.
“Attacks on commercial vessels, increased insurance premiums, longer alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope, and rising freight costs are already exerting upward pressure on international crude oil prices.”
Nigeria stressed that the continued disruption of maritime trade threatens energy security and could place additional pressure on developing economies that depend on stable oil revenues and affordable energy imports.
The government also sympathised with Saudi Arabia over attacks on its oil facilities, saying continued instability could further worsen the pressure on global energy markets.
It welcomed the cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran after 13 days of devastating attacks that resulted in widespread destruction.
The government said the development provides an opportunity for renewed diplomatic efforts and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
It urged the Houthis, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United States to exercise maximum restraint, prioritise dialogue and resolve outstanding issues through established diplomatic and multilateral channels.
Nigeria said restoring the safety and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz is essential to protecting global energy supplies and preventing further harm to the world economy.
The country reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, peaceful settlement of disputes and international efforts aimed at reducing tensions and protecting critical maritime infrastructure.
Persecondnews recalls that the Federal Government, had in a statement issued on Sunday, called for the immediate de-escalation of the crisis involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
It urged all parties to refrain from actions capable of inflaming hostilities or endangering civilian lives, while resolving their differences through dialogue, diplomacy and other means.
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