By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to deepen its economic and diplomatic influence across Africa, with new discussions between Abuja and Rabat expected to unlock fresh opportunities in energy, trade and agriculture.
The move followed a telephone conversation on Friday between Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita.
A primary highlight of the talks was the progress of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, a landmark regional project designed to link several West African nations along the Atlantic coast.
The ministers said the initiative, being coordinated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, is expected to boost energy access and strengthen regional integration.
They added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and King Mohammed VI are expected to sign an intergovernmental agreement on the project in the last quarter of 2026 following the completion of preliminary technical studies.
The talks also explored cooperation in fertiliser production and distribution as both countries seek ways to tackle food security challenges facing the continent.
Attention was equally placed on plans to reconvene the Nigeria-Morocco Bilateral Joint Commission to reactivate agreements signed during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Morocco in 2018.
The ministers also backed efforts to revive the Nigeria-Morocco Business Council to drive investment and trade cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Ojukwu also welcomed an invitation for an official visit to Morocco aimed at strengthening ties between both countries.
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