By Joy Omagha Idam
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in critical sectors of mutual interest, including energy, agriculture, trade, and economic development.
This was the outcome of a telephone conversation held on Friday between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, both ministers described the discussions as warm and productive, while reaffirming the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Morocco.
A major highlight of the conversation was the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, which is expected to boost regional energy security and economic integration along the West African Atlantic corridor.
The ministers noted that the project is being driven through collaboration between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM).
They further disclosed that following the completion of preliminary technical studies, an Intergovernmental Agreement for the project is expected to be signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mohammed VI in the last quarter of 2026.
Beyond energy cooperation, both countries also explored opportunities for partnership in fertiliser production and distribution as part of efforts to strengthen food security across Africa.
On the diplomatic front, Nigeria indicated interest in hosting the second session of the Nigeria-Morocco Bilateral Joint Commission to revive agreements signed during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Morocco in June 2018.
The two ministers also stressed the need to revive the Nigeria-Morocco Business Council to promote bilateral trade and investment, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the existing double taxation treaty between both countries.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu also appreciated the invitation extended by Minister Bourita for an official visit to Morocco, noting that the visit would further deepen strategic cooperation between the two African nations.