From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has departed Equatorial Guinea at the end of a productive three-day official visit to that country at the invitation of his counterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
During his stay in Malabo, the capital city, President Tinubu engaged in a series of diplomatic and economic activities aimed at strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. The highlight of the visit was the signing of a landmark agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline Project.
The pipeline deal, signed in the presence of both presidents, covers crucial aspects such as legislative measures, regulatory frameworks, establishment, operation, transit of natural gas, and ownership.
President Tinubu expressed optimism that the agreement will open up new avenues for gas exploration and employment opportunities in the region.
Furthermore, the visit saw the resuscitation of the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Joint National Commission, which will serve as a platform to activate various bilateral initiatives in November.
President Tinubu was accompanied by the Equatorial Guinean Prime Minister, Manuela Roka Botey, as he departed the Malabo International Airport at 4:03 pm on Friday.
The successful conclusion of this visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation across key areas, including security, trade, and economic development. It is expected that the agreements signed during this trip will pave the way for a more prosperous future for the people of Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.