Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea signed a significant agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project on Wednesday evening in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The agreement marks a major milestone in the partnership between the two nations, paving the way for mutual development and cooperation.
The comprehensive agreement covers various aspects of the gas pipeline project, including legislative and regulatory measures, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, emphasized the importance of the agreement in unlocking new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
He highlighted the discussions he had with President Mbasogo during a private meeting prior to the signing, which focused on critical issues such as job creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.
“We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.
“In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, navigate our way through problems.
“Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo, and others, we have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu said the discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.
“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,’’ the President concluded.
In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.
President Mbasogo said Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective.
The President of Equatorial Guinea said the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim- Biu were present at the signing of the agreement.
