Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo signed a significant agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project in Malabo.
This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the two nations’ ongoing efforts to foster mutual development through shared energy resources.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for the legislative and regulatory measures necessary for the establishment and operation of the gas pipeline. It also covers the transit of natural gas, ownership of the pipeline, and general principles guiding the project.
This collaboration is expected to unlock new opportunities in gas exploration, infrastructure development, and employment, benefiting both nations.
During the signing ceremony, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, emphasized the transformative potential of the agreement.
“This is not just about a pipeline; it is about creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the ties that bind our nations together,” he stated.
In a private meeting preceding the signing, Presidents Tinubu and Mbasogo discussed a broad range of issues crucial to Africa’s future.
Their discussions touched on employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
President Tinubu highlighted the importance of African nations addressing their own challenges to achieve lasting peace and prosperity.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We talked about various areas of conflict and what we can do to promote peace,”Tinubu said.
He urged African nations to look inward for solutions to their problems, citing the need to overcome capital inadequacies, advance industrialization, and invest in research and development.
“Instead of the crises and conflicts we see in the Republic of Congo and elsewhere, we must look inward to solve our problems ourselves,” he added.
The discussions also touched on security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and food security.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the commitment of African leaders to find homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges, stating, “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.”
President Mbasogo, in his remarks, highlighted the longstanding and rewarding bilateral relations between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
He stressed the importance of deepening cooperation across key areas and reiterated Africa’s need for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a goal he pledged to pursue in collaboration with Nigeria.
The signing of the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project agreement is seen as a strategic move for Africa’s development, with both leaders expressing optimism about the positive impact it will have on the region.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simeon