State representatives of Uganda and Nigeria have penned a new three-year deal that will lead to greater cooperation in fields such as oil and gas training, technology sharing and joint exploration and production.

The new agreement was signed by Peter Lokeris, Uganda's state minister for mineral developments, and Dr Emmanuel Egbogah, Nigeria's adviser to the president on petroleum matters.

"Let us look for solutions among ourselves [rather] than looking outside Africa. This is to initiate efforts to transform the oil resource for the benefit of our people," said Dr Egbogah.

Mr Lokeris explained that Uganda is keen to call upon Nigeria's long-established experience in the oil and gas industry as it begins to develop its offshore fields.

Both Uganda and Ghana are set to become major oil-producing nations after the discovery of oil in, respectively, the Lake Albert basin and territorial waters off the Western coast of Africa.

Ghana is set to achieve first oil by the end of the year, and is also seeking new training ties to support the growth of its burgeoning energy industry.

Getenergy for Western Africa