Presidents Tinubu, Obiang sign Gulf of Guinea Pipeline agreement

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea solidified a significant partnership on Wednesday evening by signing an agreement for the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project in Malabo.

The agreement underscores the two nations’ commitment to mutual development, particularly in the energy sector.

According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), the signed document addresses key areas including the legislative and regulatory framework for the gas pipeline, its establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, and ownership rights.

This agreement marks a major step forward in enhancing gas exploration and creating new employment opportunities in the region.

During the signing event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, emphasized the potential benefits of the agreement, noting that it would unlock new economic opportunities for both countries.

He also mentioned that, during a prior private meeting, the two leaders discussed critical issues such as job creation, food security, multilateral relations, and mechanisms for conflict resolution across the African continent.

“Regarding Africa, we discussed conflicts and conflict resolution. We talked about various areas of conflict and what we can do to promote peace.

“We discussed the promotion of peace and stability in our countries and the growth and prosperity of our continent.

“In the same way that Europe and America have resolved their conflicts, we must address issues like inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, and research and development programs to enlighten our people and navigate our way through challenges.

“Instead of the crises and conflicts we see in places like the Republic of Congo, we must look inward to solve our problems ourselves,” President Tinubu stated.

The President also noted that their discussion covered challenges related to security, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and food security.

“We are all committed to this. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved to work together to ensure that the solutions to many of our problems in Africa come from within,” President Tinubu concluded.

In his remarks, President Mbasogo highlighted that the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across key areas.

He also noted that Africa’s vision of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is crucial for the continent’s development, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will collaborate with Nigeria to achieve this objective.

President Mbasogo further stated that the signing of the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline agreement is strategic for Africa’s development.

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

Present at the signing were Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State for Petroleum and Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Biu.