Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo have signed an agreement to build a gas pipeline in the Gulf of Guinea.
The deal, signed in Malabo, covers legislative and regulatory measures, establishment and operation, gas transit, pipeline ownership and general principles.
Mr Tinubu said the agreement would create new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
The Nigerian leader, on a three-day official visit, said the two countries had discussed job creation, food security, multilateral relations and conflict resolution in Africa.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.,” Mr Tinubu said, stressing the need for African solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“We talked about 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, industrialisation 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,’’ the president said.
Mr Mbasogo emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation between the two nations. He also backed Africa’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The agreement was also signed by the foreign ministers of both countries.
Several Nigerian cabinet members attended the signing ceremony, including the ministers of justice, defence, interior, petroleum and youth development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Simeon Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; 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 were present at the signing of the agreement.
