Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea Sign Gas Pipeline Deal

Nigeria and the neighbouring Equatorial Guinea have sealed a deal on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, further affirming the partnership for mutual development, Nigeria’s presidency announced on Thursday.

Nigerian leader, Bola Tinubu and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, Teodoro Mbasogo signed the agreement on Wednesday evening in Malabo, spokesman of Tinubu, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement on Thursday.

The deal covers legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles, the statement noted.

President Tinubu, currently on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, was quoted as saying that signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.

The statement said the two leaders had also 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 conflict and what we can do to promote peace. We talked about the 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,’’ the President said.

Also covered in a discussion between the two African leaders are challenges of security, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security, the Nigerian presidency said.

“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 said.

In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years, have been rewarding and emphasised the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.

President Mbasogo 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 work with Nigeria to realize the objective.