Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have signed a significant agreement to develop a gas pipeline across the Gulf of Guinea, aiming to boost energy cooperation and regional development.
On Wednesday evening in Malabo, an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project was signed by President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Mbasogo. This solidifies their partnership for mutual development even further.
On Thursday, presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale issued a statement confirming this information.
According to him, the understanding encompassed laws and rules regarding gas pipeline operation, natural gas passage through it, ownership of said infrastructure as well as overall principles.
During his speech at the occasion, President Tinubu, who is currently on an official visit to Equatorial Guinea for three days stated that the agreement’s signing will unlock fresh possibilities in terms of gas exploration and job creation.
During a private meeting before the signing of the agreement, topics such as job creation, food security, multilateral relations and conflict resolution mechanisms were discussed by the two leaders according to what was conveyed by the president.
The topic of conflicts and their resolutions in Africa was addressed. Diverse areas of conflict were brought up, alongside measures to enhance peace promotion. Our conversations included deliberations on how we can generate stability, growth and prosperity for our countries while addressing the need for continental unity.
Just as Europe and America have successfully resolved their conflicts by addressing insufficient capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programs, we must also focus on these areas to enlighten our people and overcome challenges.
“The President stated that we should focus on resolving our own issues rather than observing the crises and conflicts in places like Congo.”
Challenges of security, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security were all topics that President Tinubu discussed with the President of Equatorial Guinea.
“The President stated that we are collectively working towards taking action. As a unified force in Africa and the African Union, it has been firmly decided to collaborate in order to discover solutions for our predicaments from within,” was expressed by the President.
The President of Equatorial Guinea expressed in his statement that their bilateral relations with Nigeria have been beneficial for many years, and he emphasized the necessity to enhance collaboration across significant domains.
President Mbasogo emphasized the significance of Africa securing a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, stating that it is crucial for the growth and progress of the continent. He confirmed Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria towards achieving this goal.
According to the President of Equatorial Guinea, the agreement’s signing was a key move towards Africa’s progress.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Esono.
Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN – the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation; Muhammad Badaru Abubakar – the Minister of Defence; Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo- the Minister of Interior; Ekperikpe Ekpo- Minister of State for Petroleum Gas, and Dr Jamila Ibrahim-Biu -the Youth Development minister were in attendance at the signing ceremony.
