President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, have signed an agreement to develop the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project.
The signing took place on Wednesday evening in Malabo, reinforcing the partnership between the two nations for mutual development.
The agreement, announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, covers legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline’s establishment, operation, transit of natural gas, ownership, and general principles.
During the event, Tinubu expressed that the agreement would create new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
He mentioned that he and President Mbasogo had previously discussed key issues such as employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution 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 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, 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,’’ Tinubu stated.
Tinubu also highlighted discussions on security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security with President Mbasogo.
“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,’’ he concluded.
President Mbasogo emphasized the rewarding nature of bilateral relations with Nigeria and the importance of deepening cooperation across key areas.
He stressed that Africa’s ambition to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is crucial for the continent’s development and assured that Equatorial Guinea would collaborate with Nigeria to achieve this goal. The signing of the agreement was described as strategic 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, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono.
The ceremony was attended by several Nigerian ministers, including 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.
