On Wednesday in Malabo, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, Teodoro Mbasogo, signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, solidifying their commitment to mutual development.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the agreement covers various aspects, including legislative and regulatory measures for the pipeline, its establishment and operation, natural gas transit, ownership of the pipeline, and general principles.
The statement, titled “President Tinubu and President Mbasogo Sign Agreement on the Gas Pipeline for the Gulf of Guinea,” highlighted the significance of the agreement.
During the signing ceremony, 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.
He also mentioned that in their private meeting, the two leaders discussed employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms in Africa.
“Regarding Africa, we discussed conflicts and ways to resolve them. We explored different areas of conflict and how to promote peace and stability in our countries and across the continent.
“Just as Europe and America have found solutions to their conflicts, we must address issues like inadequate capital, industrialization, and research and development programs while enlightening our people and navigating our challenges. Instead of the crises we see in places like the Republic of Congo, we need to look inward for solutions,” President Tinubu said.
Tinubu also revealed that their discussions covered security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and food security.
“We are all committed to working together within Africa and the African Union to ensure that solutions to our problems come from within,” he concluded.
President Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea praised the longstanding bilateral relations with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation in key areas.
He also stressed Africa’s vision of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, affirming that Equatorial Guinea would collaborate with Nigeria to achieve this goal.
Mbasogo noted that the agreement was a strategic move for Africa’s development.
The agreement was also signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Oyono Esono.
Present at the signing were 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, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Bio.
