Segun Atanda/
Forging ahead on regional development and energy security, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea signed a landmark agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project last night in Malabo.
The accord, which covers legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks for the pipeline, aims to enhance natural gas transit and exploration across the region.
The agreement, which was signed during President Tinubu’s three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, also lays down general principles concerning the ownership and management of the pipeline.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu emphasized that the agreement would unlock new opportunities for gas exploration and create employment across the region. He revealed that in a private meeting prior to the signing, the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including conflict resolution, food security, and multilateral relations.
“We discussed the promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and the need for growth and prosperity across the continent,” Tinubu stated through his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
He also highlighted the importance of Africa finding internal solutions to its challenges, drawing parallels with the approaches taken by Europe and America.
Mbasogo underscored the historical significance of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, stressing the importance of deeper cooperation in strategic areas. He also voiced strong support for Africa’s ambition to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, reaffirming his country’s commitment to working with Nigeria to achieve this goal.
The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, Simeon Oyono Esono. Other key Nigerian officials present included the Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, among others.
The Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting economic growth and energy infrastructure in the region, aligning with broader continental goals of self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
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