The presidents of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, have furthered their relationship for mutual development by signing an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project.
The agreement, which was signed in Malabo on Wednesday night, addressed general principles, ownership of the gas pipeline, transit of natural gas, establishment and operation of the gas pipeline, and legislative and regulatory procedures related to it.
During his speech at the function, President Tinubu—who is now on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea—stated that the agreement’s signature will create new avenues for employment and gas development.
The President said that before to the agreement’s signature, the two leaders held a private discussion where they discussed matters pertaining to the continent’s food security, employment opportunities, and international cooperation.
He claims: “Conflicts and conflict settlement were considered with regard to Africa. We talked about the many conflict domains and ways to foster peace.
We discussed advancing progress and prosperity on our continent as well as peace and stability within our own nations.
“Just as Europe and America have managed to maintain their identities while resolving their differences, we too must examine issues like insufficient funding, industrialisation endeavours, R&D initiatives, and educating our populace to effectively navigate through challenges.”
“We need to look inward to solve problems ourselves, instead of focussing on the crises and conflicts we see in the Republic of Congo and other places.”
According to President Tinubu, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), food security, and security challenges were also discussed with his colleague from Equatorial Guinea.
“We are all going for it,” he said. Africa and the African Union have decided to cooperate in order to ensure that many of the continent’s challenges are internally solved.
The President of Equatorial Guinea made a point of highlighting the need to strengthen collaboration in key sectors while stating that the country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria have been fruitful over a long period of time.
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.
According to him, the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and his Equatorial Guinea counterpart, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, also signed the agreement.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Hon 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.