President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in Malabo, have signed an agreement on Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, further affirming partnership for mutual development.
The agreement, hhich was signed on Wednesday evening by the twi Presidenrs, covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.
In his remarks at the event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to the country, said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
The President stated that the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.
President Tinubu said the discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.
“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,’’ the President stated.
In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.
President Mbasogo said said the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development, adding that Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations (UN) is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, Simeon Oyono Esono, also signed the agreement.
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 were present at the signing of the agreement.
