By Fatima Saka
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has described the digital infrastructure agreement between Backbone Connectivity Network Nigeria Ltd (BCN) and Equatorial Guinea as a concrete outcome of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic diplomacy drive, aimed at boosting growth, investor confidence and regional integration.
Tuggar spoke in Malabo during the signing of an agreement for the development of telecommunications infrastructure to service Equatorial Guinea, anchored on a subsea fibre-optic cable project expected to expand broadband capacity, enhance digital communications and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation across Central and West Africa.
In a statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Senior Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, the minister said the deal underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to leveraging foreign policy to open markets for Nigerian companies while deepening Africa-to-Africa economic cooperation.
According to Tuggar, the project directly builds on President Tinubu’s official visit to Equatorial Guinea in August 2024, during which several bilateral agreements were concluded. He noted that the telecommunications initiative represents a practical translation of diplomatic engagements into bankable economic opportunities.
“The agreement reflects Nigeria’s expanding economic diplomacy and the administration’s focus on positioning Nigerian businesses at the centre of regional value chains, particularly in strategic sectors such as digital infrastructure,” Tuggar said.
The agreement on principles was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko on behalf of BCN, while Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence Systems, Honorato Evita Oma, signed for his government. Under the deal, BCN is expected to play a key role in expanding digital infrastructure, improving cross-border connectivity and strengthening cybersecurity capabilities.
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The signing ceremony was supervised by Equatorial Guinea’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Business Promotion and Industry, Gaudencio Mohaba Messu. It was witnessed by Ambassador Tuggar; Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe; and other senior officials from both countries.
President Tinubu’s 2024 visit to Malabo was aimed at broadening Nigeria–Central Africa economic engagement and promoting Africa-led development solutions. Officials say the new digital infrastructure project highlights growing momentum in regional economic integration and the role of technology as a driver of continental growth.
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