In a significant move to bolster mutual development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo signed an agreement on Wednesday evening in Malabo, solidifying their partnership on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project. The agreement outlines the legislative and regulatory frameworks for the gas pipeline, covering its establishment, operation, transit of natural gas, ownership, and general principles.
During the signing ceremony, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, emphasised that this agreement would unlock new opportunities for gas exploration and create employment in the region. He noted that the discussions between the two leaders prior to the signing also touched on crucial topics such as employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms across Africa.
“Regarding Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were key topics of our discussion. We explored various conflict areas and what we can do to promote peace,” President Tinubu remarked. He highlighted the importance of fostering peace and stability within their nations and across the continent, drawing parallels to the approaches taken by Europe and America in resolving conflicts.
President Tinubu also addressed challenges related to security, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and food security, underscoring the shared commitment among African nations to find solutions from within the continent.
Equatorial Guinean President Mbasogo, in his remarks, praised the longstanding bilateral relations with Nigeria and stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in critical areas. He also reiterated the significance of Africa’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, expressing Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to work alongside Nigeria to achieve this goal.
The agreement, according to President Mbasogo, is strategic for Africa’s development and strengthens the ties between the two nations.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono. Other notable attendees included 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.
For more information visit www.statehouse.gov.ng
