President Bola Tinubu has landed in Abuja after completing a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea.
His Gulfstream jet touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 6:30 pm on Friday.
This trip marks his 22nd foreign visit since assuming office approximately 15 months ago.
Upon arrival, Tinubu was greeted by prominent government figures, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others.
During his time in Equatorial Guinea, Tinubu and his counterpart, Teodoro Mbasogo, inked an agreement related to the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project, underscoring their commitment to mutual development.
The agreement addressed legislative and regulatory aspects of the gas pipeline, as well as its establishment, operation, transit of natural gas, ownership, and general principles.
In his comments at the signing event, Tinubu emphasized that the agreement would create new prospects for gas exploration and employment. He highlighted discussions with President Mbasogo on topics such as job creation, food security, international relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms within the continent.
“When it comes to Africa, we engaged in dialogue about conflicts and their resolution. We deliberated on methods to enhance peace and stability in our nations, fostering growth and prosperity across the continent,” remarked the President.
Tinubu also disclosed that his talks with President Mbasogo delved into security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and food security.
During a dinner held in his honor the previous evening, Tinubu urged African leaders to take strategic steps to address the brain drain of skills and talents from the continent.
These measures, he suggested, should include combating tribalism, recognizing performance, and modernizing outdated judicial systems.
Posing a question, the President asked, “Why do we lament healthcare issues when our doctors cannot find stability within our continent? If our nurses face hardships, and our legal systems remain outdated?”
He asserted, “Tribalism should not have a place in our country or region. We must fortify the continent, nurture and sustain peace collectively, and assist one another.
“We must harness our resources for advancement, seek solutions internally, emphasize research and development, and reward these initiatives. We should bring forth the outcomes ourselves, not outsource or relinquish them.
“To international bodies, we are collaborators. While we will continue to collaborate, we need to implement more than half of the research outcomes produced here. We have a multitude of young individuals requiring support for progress.”
Equatorial Guinea marks the seventh African nation that Tinubu has visited. Thus far, he has traveled to various destinations including Paris, France (thrice); London, the UK (twice); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Novo, Benin Republic; Pretoria, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE; New York, USA; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal; and Doha, Qatar.