Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Mbasogo, have signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project to further the partnership for mutual development between the two countries.
The statement signed by the Nigeria’s presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday said that the agreement signed on Thursday “covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles”.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu and President Mbasogo sign agreement on the gas pipeline for the Gulf of Guinea.’
President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, said after signing the agreement that it would open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
He said that the two leaders discussed issues on the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.
“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 both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, 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,’’ President Tinubu said.
Tinubu also revealed that the discussion with President Mbasogo covered challenges of security, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and food security.
“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,’’ he concluded.
In his remarks, President Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea said that bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years had been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.
Mbasogo said 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 Equatorial Guinea leader noted that the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.
The statement added that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Mr Simeon Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.
GIK/APA