Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea Sign Agreement On Maritime Policing

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea yesterday in Malabo signed an agreement on the establishment of a combined Maritime Policing and Security Patrol Committee.

A statement by the senior special assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Garba Shehu, stated that the conclusion and signing of the agreement is expected to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea and help in curbing maritime crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, sabotage of oil rigs and arms smuggling.

According to a communiqué issued at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Malabo, both countries also agreed to discuss greater cooperation on oil and gas production and a bilateral trade agreement.

It was further agreed that the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Joint Commission will be revived from its present state of dormancy and empowered to play its proper role in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Buhari and President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere of trust and solidarity that now exists between their countries.

In their talks during the two-day visit, the two leaders further discussed sub-regional, regional and international issues including terrorism, violent extremism and the state of the global economy, especially as it affects Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

They also discussed the crises in some African countries and efforts by the African Union to achieve peace, stability and progress across the continent.

President Buhari who has since returned to Abuja thanked President Mbasogo and the people of Equatorial Guinea for the warm reception given to him and his delegation during the visit.

PMB Receives Equatorial Guinea’s Highest Honour

Meanwhile, Buhari late on Monday in Malabo received Equatorial Guinea’s highest national honour, the Grand Collar of the Order of the Independence, and dedicated it to the people of Nigeria, who, he said, have worked tirelessly for peace in the country and Africa.

According to a statement issued by his special adviser on Media and Publicity , Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari at the investiture ceremony said, ” I will like to express profound gratitude for the honour given to me and my people.

“There has never been a time for greater neighbourliness on our continent in the interest of peace, security and economic stability than now,”

Buhari further disclosed that as African countries faced common challenges, they must strive to cooperate more to find workable solutions that will facilitate rapid socio-economic development on the continent.

Speaking on the award, President Mbasogo said that the honour was conferred on Buhari for his “personal integrity, exemplary leadership style and courage to fight terrorism in order to ensure peace and safety in Africa.”