President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, urged African nations to seek home-grown solutions to their socio-economic and political challenges. He emphasized the importance of closer collaboration and solidarity among African countries to address the continent's issues, including the exodus of skills and talent.
Accompanied by several key ministers, President Tinubu signed a significant agreement on a Gulf of Guinea pipeline project with Equatorial Guinea. The deal, which was signed in Malabo, the federal capital, aims to open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment across the region. The agreement includes legislative and regulatory measures for the establishment and operation of the gas pipeline, as well as guidelines on natural gas transit and ownership.
During private discussions, President Tinubu and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, President Teodoro Mbasogo, also addressed issues such as job creation, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms. They discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and strategies to enhance security in the region.
President Tinubu stressed the need for African countries to develop their resources, focus on research and development, and retain the benefits within the continent. He highlighted the necessity of providing a conducive environment for African professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to thrive in their home countries.
President Mbasogo expressed his appreciation for President Tinubu's visit, acknowledging Nigeria's significant role as the largest economy in Africa and calling for increased collaboration between the two nations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, revealed plans for joint patrols in the Gulf of Guinea to combat oil theft, while Minister of Youth Jemila Bio-Ibrahim discussed initiatives to promote youth development and collaboration, including the potential adoption of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) model by Equatorial Guinea.
