PeakNews Online
Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have entered into a $2.5 billion agreement to construct a 200-kilometer gas pipeline aimed at enhancing gas exports between the two nations.
The project is expected to increase Nigeria’s gas production and provide a supply boost to Equatorial Guinea’s underutilized liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol plants.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), highlighted the economic benefits of the pipeline, which is designed to transport stranded Nigerian gas to Equatorial Guinea. He added that negotiations will continue following the signing of the agreement to finalize the project’s details.
In a related development, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Mohammed, announced ongoing discussions between the two countries to strengthen defense cooperation. This includes plans for joint patrols aimed at combating oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea. Mohammed disclosed that a joint committee is being formed to oversee these patrols, which will focus on policing shared borders and securing the Gulf of Guinea.
“There are discussions on a defense agreement, not yet signed, but a joint committee is being established for joint patrol, policing, and security on our borders and the Gulf of Guinea,” Mohammed said. He expressed optimism that this collaboration will effectively prevent illegal activities in the region, including the illegal movement of crude oil.
In addition to the gas and defense agreements, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are also finalizing a treaty focused on youth development. Minister of Youth, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, revealed that the treaty will promote peer learning, skills development, and collaboration between the youth of both countries. The agreement, expected to be finalized later this year, may also see Equatorial Guinea adopting Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) initiative.
Bio-Ibrahim emphasized the treaty’s potential to provide opportunities for Nigerian youth to contribute to Equatorial Guinea’s economy, particularly in sectors like furniture production, agro-forestry, fashion, and garment industries.
During the visit, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, underscored the trip’s significance for Nigeria’s international relations and economic development. He noted that discussions also covered visa policies and trade, with a focus on enhancing travel and economic interactions across African nations. Efforts are underway to facilitate easier movement between countries, with an agreement expected by November.
While the gas agreement has been signed, Tunji-Ojo stated that further defense agreements are still under review to ensure they align with Nigeria’s interests before being finalized.
Joe
