On Wednesday evening in Malabo, President Bola Tinubu and President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, further solidifying their commitment to mutual development.
The agreement encompasses legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, its establishment and operation, natural gas transit, ownership of the pipeline, and general principles.
During the signing ceremony, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, remarked that the agreement would create new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
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He also noted that, in a private meeting before the signing, the two leaders discussed employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms across the continent.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflict and what we can do to promote peace.
“We talked about the 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, industrialisation 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 stated that his discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also addressed issues related to security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), 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.
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In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea highlighted that the longstanding bilateral relations with Nigeria have been highly beneficial and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas.
President Mbasogo also emphasized the significance of Africa securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the continent’s development, and affirmed Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to working with Nigeria to achieve this goal.
He described the agreement signing as a strategic move for Africa’s progress.
The agreement was also signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Esono.
Additionally, the ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s 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 for Petroleum and Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Biu.
