President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Mbasogo took a significant step toward mutual development on Wednesday evening in Malabo by signing an agreement for the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project.
The agreement, announced in a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday, outlines various aspects such as legislative and regulatory measures, ownership, and the operation of the gas pipeline, along with the transit of natural gas.
During the event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, emphasized that this agreement would pave the way for new opportunities in gas exploration and create jobs. He highlighted that in their private discussions, both leaders focused on employment creation, food security, and conflict resolution mechanisms within Africa.
Speaking about Africa’s challenges, President Tinubu stressed the importance of internal solutions, stating, “We discussed conflicts and what we can do to promote peace and stability. Just as Europe and America have found solutions to their conflicts, we need to address our issues—whether it’s capital shortages, industrialization, or research and development—by looking inward.”
He further expressed the commitment of African nations to work together, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), to find homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges.
President Mbasogo echoed these sentiments, praising the long-standing bilateral relationship with Nigeria and emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation. He also reiterated Africa’s vision of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a goal Equatorial Guinea is committed to achieving alongside Nigeria.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Esono. The ceremony was also attended by several key Nigerian ministers, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State for Petroleum, Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Biu.
