Buhari set for E’Guinea to discuss Niger Delta

President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Malabo on Monday to speak with Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of Equatorial Guinea.

In a statement, Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said the president will be visiting to discuss “measures to protect the people and resources of the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea”.

“The conclusion and signing of an agreement by Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea for the establishment of a combined maritime policing and security patrol committee on Tuesday is expected to be the major outcome of President Buhari’s talks with his host,” read the statement.

Adesina said presidents of both countries “are also expected to discuss and agree on other collaborative measures to combat crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, attacks on oil rigs, arms smuggling and human trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea”.

“Both leaders will also confer on the rescheduling of the joint summit of the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States on additional cooperative measures to curb terrorism and violent extremism in West and Central Africa.”

Adesina said the summit was to have been hosted by Equatorial Guinea in 2015 but was postponed because of Nigeria’s general election.

“In accordance with the main focus and agenda of the trip, President Buhari will be accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd.), the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.) and other senior security officials,” Adesina said.

The president will be back in Abuja on Tuesday.