Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have signed a landmark agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline Project, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The agreement was signed by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on Wednesday evening.
The agreement covers key aspects of the gas pipeline project, including legislative and regulatory measures, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership, and general principles. President Tinubu hailed the signing as a strategic move that will unlock new opportunities for gas exploration and employment in both countries.
During a private meeting preceding the signing, the two leaders discussed various issues, including employment creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent. President Tinubu emphasized the need for African countries to find solutions to their problems internally, rather than relying on external interventions.
The agreement was also signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, Simeon Esono. Other Nigerian officials present at the signing included the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Chief Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; and Minister of State, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo.
President Mbasogo described the signing as a strategic move for Africa’s development, emphasizing the need for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. He also reiterated his country’s commitment to working with Nigeria to achieve Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.