- Safiu Kehinde
Sequel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria has partnered with the West Central African nation on Gas Pipeline Project For Gulf of Guinea.
This was made known in a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
According to the statement, Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President, Teodoro Mbasogo, had, yesterday, signed an agreement on Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project at the capital city of Malabo.
The agreement reportedly covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.
Speaking on the development, Tinubu said it will create new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.
Meanwhile, prior to the agreement, Tinubu disclosed his conversation with the Equatorial Guinean President on food security, multilateral engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.
“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 Nigerian President also discussed about the 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,’’ the President concluded.
In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said the Gas Pipeline Project is strategic, stressing that their bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding.
He, however, noted that 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.
Meanwhile, also part of the agreement signatory are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea.
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, Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim- Biu were also present at the signing of the agreement.