Nigeria, Morocco Commit to Deeper Ties on Gas Pipeline, Fertilizer, and Trade

By Ifeyinwa Ike

Nigeria and Morocco have pledged to bolster bilateral relations, focusing on energy, agriculture, and economic cooperation, following a productive phone call between their foreign ministers last Friday.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Ojukwu, spoke with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, on May 8.

The ministers reaffirmed longstanding friendship and commitment to strategic partnerships.

At the forefront was the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), or African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a key West African project led by Nigeria’s NNPC Ltd and Morocco’s ONHYM.

They highlighted its role in boosting regional energy security and integration, with preliminary studies complete and an intergovernmental agreement slated for signing by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and King Mohammed VI in Q4 2026.

Discussions also covered fertilizer production for African food security, plans to host the second Nigeria-Morocco Bilateral Joint Commission to revive 2018 agreements, and relaunching the Nigeria-Morocco Business Council.
This aligns with AfCFTA opportunities and a double taxation treaty.

Ojukwu accepted an invitation for an official visit to Morocco, aiming to advance a shared vision for African Continental Free Trade Area (Africa)’s development.

The call was described as warm and forward-looking by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa