Tinubu returns from three-day visit to Equatorial Guinea

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea.

The jet conveying the president touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 6.30pm on Friday.

Tinubu was received by Femi Gbajabiamila, his chief of staff (CoS); George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT); and Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, among others.

While in Equatorial Guinea, Tinubu, along with Teodoro Mbasogo, the country’s president, signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea pipeline project, further affirming the partnership for mutual development.

Tinubu said signing the agreement would open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.

The president also said the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.

“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflict and what we can do to promote peace,” Tinubu said.

“We talked about the promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.

“In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, and research and development programmes, and enlighten our people and navigate our way through problems.

“Instead of the crises and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo and others, we have to look inward to solve problems ourselves.”

The leaders also discussed challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.

“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,” Tinubu had said.