President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commence a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Tuesday, said Tinubu will depart Abuja for Malabo, the country’s capital.

During his visit, Tinubu will meet with Mbasogo at the Presidential Villa in Malabo.

The president will use the opportunity of the visit to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

“President Tinubu will meet with the Equatorial Guinean President at the Presidential Villa on arrival, where meetings will be held between the two leaders and agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security, signed”, the statement reads.

“The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet who will be involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.”

In March 2023, Tinubu received the Special Envoy of the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at the State House, Abuja, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Special Presidential Envoy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Angue, had conveyed a message from President Mbasogo requesting a state visit by President Tinubu, emphasising the need to revitalise the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Joint Commission.

He also emphasised the importance of fostering greater cooperation in various sectors, including oil and gas, and trade.

Responding, President Tinubu reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, describing the relations as strong and brotherly.

He recalled his previous meeting with President Mbasogo, during which they discussed strategies for enhancing economic relations, particularly in the context of ocean and marine economy, and collaborating to address the challenges posed by climate change.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the formal meetings between the two nations would lead to further strengthening of their relationship.

“Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are brotherly nations, and we enjoy very longstanding mutual relations. I am sure when next we meet formally; the relationship between our countries will grow from strength to strength”, the president enthused.