President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Mbasogo have inked an agreement to build a gas pipeline in the Gulf of Guinea.
Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s spokesman, stated on Thursday that the deal for the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline project was signed on Wednesday.
Ngelale stated that the deal strengthens the two countries’ collaboration for mutual growth.
According to Ngelale, the agreement included legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline’s construction and operation, as well as natural gas transit, pipeline ownership, and general principles.
In his remarks, Tinubu stated that signing the deal will create new chances for gas exploration and employment.
The president stated that the two leaders discussed problems such as job development, food security, multilateral cooperation, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting prior to the signing of the accord.
Tinubu said:
“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, 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.”
Tinubu said the discussion with the president of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African continental free trade area (ACFTA) and food security.
He added:
“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.”
Mbasogo stated that bilateral relations with Nigeria have been profitable for many years, but there is a need to enhance cooperation in key sectors.
The president of Equatorial Guinea also stated that Africa’s aim of having a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is critical to the continent’s growth, and that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to achieve this goal.
He described the signing of the pact as a key step for Africa’s growth.
Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, and Simeon Oyono Esono, Equatorial Guinea’s minister of foreign affairs, both signed the agreement.
The agreement signing was witnessed by 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.
Source: TheCable