Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea Sign Oil, Gas, Security Deal

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea – On Wednesday evening, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea took a major step in their partnership as Presidents Bola Tinubu and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo signed a landmark agreement in Malabo. The deal covers the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, as well as security and other key areas, outlining the legislative and regulatory framework for the pipeline’s establishment, operation, and ownership.

During a dinner hosted by President Mbasogo, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, noted that the agreement would open new avenues for gas exploration and create jobs. He urged African leaders to focus on peace and stability, stressing that Africa must tackle its challenges independently and reject external notions of conflict and instability.

President Tinubu highlighted the importance of peace for development, noting the continent’s brain drain and loss of talent due to issues like poverty, flawed legal systems, and tribalism. He called for greater international investment in African research and development, advocating for internal solutions to issues of capital inadequacies, industrialization, and education.

President Mbasogo praised the strong bilateral ties with Nigeria and stressed the need for deeper cooperation in critical areas. He also underscored the importance of securing a permanent seat for Africa on the United Nations Security Council and vowed to work with Nigeria toward this goal. Mbasogo called for enhanced African solidarity and international cooperation to address maritime crime, security threats, and economic challenges.

The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Oyono Esono. Key attendees included Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Chief Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State for Petroleum, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Biu.