President Bola Tinubu and President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea have signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries for mutual development.
According to Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, the agreement was signed on Wednesday evening in Malabo and covers legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, its establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.
In his remarks, President Tinubu said: “The signing of this agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment… We discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent.”
Tinubu emphasized the need for African countries to address inadequate capital, industrialization research, and development programs, and navigate their way through problems.
He stated: “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.”
The President also discussed challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area, and food security, saying: “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.”
President Mbasogo emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas, stating: “Bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding… Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent.”
Mbasogo affirmed that Equatorial Guinea would work with Nigeria to realize the objective, adding: “The signing of this agreement is strategic for Africa’s development.”
The agreement was signed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Simeon Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, with several ministers witnessing the signing.
