Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea seal Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline agreement

Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea seal Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline agreement

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu and the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Mbasogo signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project on Wednesday in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, while signing the signing agreement said it will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment, confirming the partnership for mutual development.

In a statement on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the agreement covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, its establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.

Tinubu, who was quoted in the statement said, “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 the 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 inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, and research and development programmes, enlighten our people, and 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.”

In his remarks, Mbasogo said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and underscored the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas, stating that Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective.

“The signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development,” Mbasogo added.

However, the Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, Simeon Oyono Esono also signed the agreement.

Also, attendees at the agreement sealing in Equatorial Guinea were; the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; 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.