In a significant development for energy and regional cooperation, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement on Wednesday evening in Malabo, marking the formal launch of the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project.
This initiative underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations and aims to boost mutual development through energy collaboration.
The agreement outlines key legislative and regulatory frameworks for the establishment, operation, and ownership of the gas pipeline, which will serve as a critical infrastructure for the transit of natural gas across the Gulf of Guinea.
The signing ceremony, part of President Tinubu’s three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, represents a milestone in the economic relations between the two countries.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu highlighted the broader implications of the agreement, noting that it will unlock new opportunities for gas exploration and create employment.
He emphasized the importance of this collaboration in addressing pressing issues such as employment, food security, and conflict resolution within Africa.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace,” President Tinubu said, reflecting on the private meeting held between the two leaders prior to the signing.
“We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.”
President Tinubu stressed the need for African nations to find internal solutions to their challenges, drawing parallels with how Europe and America have managed their own conflicts.
He also touched on the need for capital investment, industrialization, and research and development as key components in driving the continent’s growth.
“We have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,” he added, referencing the need to address crises like those in the Republic of Congo and other conflict-prone areas.
Security, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security were also key topics of discussion, with President Tinubu reaffirming the commitment of African leaders to work together for solutions that benefit the continent.
In his remarks, President Mbasogo praised the longstanding bilateral relations between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, highlighting the positive outcomes of their cooperation over the years.
He also reiterated the importance of Africa securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a goal that Equatorial Guinea supports in partnership with Nigeria.
“The signing of this agreement is strategic for Africa’s development,” President Mbasogo stated, underscoring the significance of the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project.
The agreement was also signed by key government officials, including Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono.
Other notable Nigerian officials present at the ceremony included the 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.
The Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project is expected to significantly enhance energy security and economic growth in the region, marking a new chapter in Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea relations.