President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea’s capital, for a three-day official visit.
The trip, initiated at the request of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, aims to boost diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
Tinubu was greeted by Manuela Botey, Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea, upon his arrival on Wednesday.
According to the president’s spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu proceeded to the People’s Palace Court (the country’s presidential villa) where his official engagements will be held.
During his stay, Tinubu will engage in a private meeting with President Mbasogo to discuss areas such as oil and gas, security, and other bilateral interests.
The visit will also see the signing of important agreements between the two nations, covering various sectors including energy and security.
The agenda includes a ceremonial welcome, a family photograph, and a military parade.
Ngelale added that Tinubu will sign a historic visitors’ book and will conclude the day with a formal dinner.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying President Tinubu includes high-ranking officials such as Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defense; Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.
Also on the delegation are Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development; and Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, CEO of Matrix Group.
THE WHISTLER reported that given both countries’ positions as major oil producers in Africa, discussions may cover technology exchange and collaborative projects in the energy sector.
Equatorial Guinea produced 54,881 barrels of crude oil per day as of December 2023, while Nigeria’s output increased to 1.307 million barrels per day by July 2024.