By John Ikani
President Bola Tinubu and President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea have formalized an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea pipeline project.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced on Thursday that the agreement, signed Wednesday evening in Malabo, solidifies a partnership aimed at mutual development.
According to the statement, the agreement covers legislative and regulatory frameworks for the gas pipeline, its establishment and operation, the transit of natural gas, pipeline ownership, and general principles.
During the event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, highlighted that the agreement will pave the way for new opportunities in gas exploration and employment.
The president also noted that the two leaders had earlier discussed employment generation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent in a private meeting before signing the agreement.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflict and what we can do to promote peace. We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.
“In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialisation efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, navigate our way through problems.
“Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo, and others, we have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,’’ Mr Tinubu was quoted in the statement as saying.
Mr Tinubu further stated that discussions with the Equatorial Guinean president included security challenges, the 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.”
In his remarks, President Mbasogo emphasized that Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have enjoyed rewarding bilateral relations over the years and stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in key areas.
He pointed out that Africa’s goal of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is essential for the continent’s development, and assured that Equatorial Guinea would collaborate with Nigeria to achieve this objective.
President Mbasogo described the agreement as a strategic step for Africa’s growth.
The agreement was also signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Oyono Esono.
“The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim-Biu were present at the signing of the agreement,” the statement said.
