Thursday, August 15, 2024 –President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project on Wednesday evening in Malabo, further affirming their partnership for mutual development.
The agreement covers legislative and
regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, its establishment and operation, the
transit of natural gas, ownership of the pipeline, and general principles.
In his remarks at the event, President
Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, said the
signing of the agreement would open up new opportunities for gas exploration
and employment.
The President stated that the two leaders
had discussed issues related to employment creation, food security,
multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent
during a private meeting that preceded the signing.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict
resolution were discussed. We talked about various areas of conflict and what
we can do to promote peace.
“We discussed the promotion of peace and
stability in our countries and the growth and prosperity of our continent.
“Just as Europe and America have addressed
their conflicts and found solutions, we must also address our issues related to
capital inadequacies, industrialization efforts, research and development
programs, and the enlightenment of our people.
“Instead of the crises and conflicts we see
in the Republic of Congo and elsewhere, we must look inward to solve our
problems ourselves,” the president said.
President Tinubu also mentioned that
discussions with President Mbasogo covered security challenges, the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and food security.
“We are all committed to this. Within Africa
and the African Union, we have resolved to work together to ensure that the
solutions to many of our problems come from within,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, President Mbasogo emphasized
that the bilateral relations with Nigeria have been rewarding over the years
and highlighted the need to deepen cooperation across key areas.
President Mbasogo also affirmed the
importance of Africa having a permanent seat on the United Nations Security
Council for the continent’s development and confirmed that Equatorial Guinea
will work with Nigeria to achieve this goal.
The signing of the agreement was described
as strategic for Africa’s development.
The agreement was also signed by Nigeria’s
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono.
Other notable attendees at the signing
included Nigeria’s 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 for Petroleum,
Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Biu.
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