- On Tuesday, the presidency announced that Tinubu will be travelling to Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, for a three-day official visit at the behest of Mbasogo.
- Tinubu was received by Manuela Botey, the country’s prime minister when he arrived Malabo on Wednesday.
The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu and his counterpart from Equatorial Guinea, President Teodoro Mbasogo, have entered into a landmark pact.
This significant deal, announced on Thursday by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, was formalized a day earlier.
The agreement strengthens the collaborative ties between the two nations, paving the way for joint progress.
Key aspects of the accord include the legal framework, operational guidelines, and ownership structure for the gas pipeline, as well as provisions for natural gas transportation and overall principles.
In his remarks, Tinubu said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
The president said the two leaders had discussed issues related to 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 conflicts and what we can do to promote peace,” Tinubu said.
“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, 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.”
Tinubu said the discussion with the president of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African continental free trade area (ACFTA) 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 added.
Mbasogo said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding but there is a need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.
The president of Equatorial Guinea also 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 collaborate with Nigeria to achieve this objective.
He said the signing of the agreement was a strategic move for Africa’s development.
Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs and Simeon Oyono Esono, Equatorial Guinea’s minister of foreign affairs, also signed the agreement.
Lateef Fagbemi, minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation; Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, minister of defence; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior; Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state, petroleum (gas), and Jamila Ibrahim- Biu, minister of youth development, were present at the signing of the agreement.