Nigeria, Morocco Sign Agreement to Build Gas Pipeline across Africa

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco on Saturday signed an agreement for the construction of gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema gave the revelation in a communiqué presented to President Muhammadu Buhari and Moroccan King, Mohammed VI at the State House, Abuja.

According to him, the pipeline when completed will serve as a conveyor for Nigeria’s gas resources to several African countries, Morocco and Europe which would generate foreign exchange for the country.

King Muhammadu VI had been in Nigeria since Thursday on a 3-Day official working visit.

Other bilateral agreements which included agreement between Dangote and OCP of Morocco to develop fertilizer business; corporation agreement in strengthening the local business capacity in agricultural eco system; agreement on the exemption of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders; Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, between Nigeria and Morocco; agreement on marine fisheries corporation; ‎agreement in the field agriculture; Agreement between Moroccan Agency on Sustainable Energy and its Nigerian counterpart were also signed on Friday by the two countries.

Onyema said: “It is a great honour and privilege to read for you a communique which outlines the strategic visions that you both have for our two countries.

“On the occasion of the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Nigeria, and following the discussion with President Muhammadu Buhari in Marrakech, on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties (COP-22), and also in Abuja , the Kingdom of Morocco and the Federal Republic of Nigeria decided to study and take concrete steps toward the promotion of a regional gas pipeline project that will connect Nigeria’s gas resources, those of several West African countries and Morocco.”

The minister also emphasized the inherent benefits of the agreements to local and foreign concerns.

“It is expected that multiple project opportunities will arise for industrial operators and financial capital by fostering deeper economic integration grounded on positive externalities, sustainable synergies and inclusive approaches

“This South-South open platform will accelerate the structural transformation of the national economies of the region, thereby putting the entire region on a higher growth path.

“The two heads of State agreed to set up a Bilateral Coordination Body to monitor this important project and commended such a strategic Cooperation in Africa.”