President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea have formalized their collaboration on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, enhancing the strategic partnership between their nations. The agreement, which was signed on Wednesday evening in Malabo, marks a significant step in the mutual development of both countries.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, confirmed the signing in a statement released on Thursday. The agreement encompasses various aspects including legislative and regulatory measures for the pipeline’s establishment, operation, transit of natural gas, and general principles regarding its ownership.

During the event, which took place as part of Tinubu’s three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, the Nigerian President highlighted the potential of the agreement to unlock new opportunities in gas exploration and job creation. “The signing of this agreement will open up new avenues for gas exploration and employment,” Tinubu remarked.

The discussions between the two leaders also extended to broader issues concerning Africa, including employment creation, food security, and mechanisms for conflict resolution. “We discussed various areas of conflict and explored ways to promote peace. We talked about fostering peace and stability in our nations and driving growth and prosperity across the continent,” Tinubu said.

President Tinubu also emphasized the need for African countries to address internal challenges such as inadequate capital and the need for industrialization and research development. “Instead of the crisis and conflicts we see in places like the Republic of Congo, we need to focus on solving our problems internally,” he added.

Additionally, the dialogue touched upon security concerns, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and food security. Tinubu reiterated the commitment of African nations and the African Union to collaboratively address these issues, stressing that many solutions must come from within the continent itself.

President Mbasogo underscored the long-standing fruitful bilateral relations between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in key areas. He also highlighted Africa’s goal of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council as a crucial step for the continent’s development. “The signing of this agreement is a strategic move for Africa’s development,” Mbasogo said.

The agreement was also endorsed by notable figures including Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Simeon Esono, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Other signatories and witnesses included Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, Minister of Defence, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum, and Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Bio, Minister of Youth Development.