In continuation of the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve greater
security of lives, resources and investments in all parts of Nigeria and
its sub-region, President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Malabo tomorrow
for talks with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea on
further 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.
President Buhari and President Mbasogo 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.
The summit was to have been hosted by Equatorial Guinea last year but was
postponed because of Nigeria’s general elections.
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.
He is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday.