Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea Signs Agreement on Gas Pipeline for Gulf of Guinea
On Wednesday evening in Malabo, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, strengthening their commitment to mutual development.
The agreement outlines legislative and regulatory measures for the pipeline, including its establishment, operation, natural gas transit, ownership, and overall guiding principles.
During the signing event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, emphasized that the agreement would unlock new opportunities in gas exploration and create jobs.
In a private meeting held before the signing, the two leaders discussed various topics, including employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms across the continent.
“Regarding Africa, we focused on conflicts and conflict resolution,” President Tinubu remarked. “We examined different conflicts and explored ways to promote peace. Our discussions covered the promotion of peace and stability within our countries, as well as growth and prosperity across the continent. Just as Europe and America have resolved their conflicts, we must address challenges like inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development, and education to navigate our own issues. Instead of allowing crises like those in the Republic of Congo to persist, we must find internal solutions.”
President Tinubu also mentioned that the talks with President Mbasogo touched on security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.
“We are all committed to this cause. Within Africa and the African Union, we have agreed to work together to ensure that solutions to many of our problems come from within the continent,” President Tinubu concluded.
President Mbasogo, in his remarks, highlighted the long-standing and rewarding bilateral relations between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, stressing the importance of deepening cooperation in critical areas.
He also underscored Africa’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, stating that Equatorial Guinea would collaborate with Nigeria to achieve this goal.
The signing of the agreement, according to President Mbasogo, is a strategic step towards Africa’s development.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, also signed the agreement. Other Nigerian officials present at the signing included 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.