Nigeria and Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on energy cooperation, agriculture, trade expansion and diplomatic engagement.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held a telephone conversation with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, during which both countries reviewed areas of mutual interest.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Morocco and pledged to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors.
A key highlight of the discussion was broader energy collaboration between the two countries, including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline project, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a major infrastructure initiative planned along West Africa’s Atlantic coastline.
Both ministers stressed that the project would play a vital role in enhancing regional energy security, boosting economic integration and promoting sustainable development across participating countries.
They noted that the pipeline is being implemented through a partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines.
The ministers disclosed that following the completion of preliminary technical studies by relevant agencies, an Intergovernmental Agreement is expected to be signed by President Bola Tinubu and King Mohammed VI in the last quarter of 2026.
Beyond energy cooperation, discussions also covered collaboration in agriculture, particularly fertiliser production and distribution, which both countries described as critical to improving food security across Africa.
On the diplomatic front, Nigeria indicated readiness to host the second session of the Nigeria–Morocco Bilateral Joint Commission aimed at revitalising agreements signed during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s official visit to Morocco in June 2018.
The meeting is also expected to facilitate the re-establishment of the Nigeria–Morocco Business Council to promote economic cooperation and leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, as well as the double taxation avoidance treaty between the two nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further expressed appreciation for the invitation extended by Bourita for an official visit to Morocco at a mutually convenient date.
The proposed visit, according to the statement, is expected to consolidate diplomatic ties and advance a stronger Nigeria–Morocco partnership in support of Africa’s economic growth and development.
