Nigeria’s Ogun State interested in Morocco’s experience in housing, ports, infrastructures, agriculture, industry
Morocco has voiced readiness to share its successful experiences with Nigeria’s Ogun State in housing, agriculture, vocational training, electricity production & distribution, manufacturing, infrastructures & ports development.
A cooperation agreement has been inked lately in this regard by Governor of Ogun state Dapo Abiodun and Moroccan employers Union, Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM).
Ogun is a state located in southwestern Nigeria. It is the second most industrialized state after Lagos, with a focus on metal processing.
Mr. Abiodun said during the signing ceremony he was looking forward to benefiting from Morocco’s success story in EV industry, cars & planes spare parts manufacturing, and renewable energies, adding that Ogun state has a special economic zone offering business opportunities in technology sector, manufacturing, farming and agribusiness.
He said Morocco has achieved significant success in the areas of education, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and a host of others, from which Ogun State would benefit.
He noted that Morocco offers a 30 percent subsidy as an incentive for investors and has signed 60 trade agreements with different countries across the world, and is becoming a leader in solar energy.
He stated that the country has transitioned from importing to exporting electric vehicles to Europe and manufacturing parts for aircraft manufacturers.
The success story of Morocco, the governor emphasized, would be replicated in Nigeria with the arrival of the CGEM which will establish operations in Ogun State.
“We hope that in our partnership we can unlock all the potential and maximize it. We want to learn from you how you perfected hydro, solar, and gas energy, presenting the right mix that, of course, brings down the cost of energy,” he pointed out.
Ogun State is building on thriving Morocco-Nigeria partnership as evidenced by the fertilizer blending plant inaugurated in 2022 by Moroccan phosphate OCP Group in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria.
Built over a 10 hectare area, the plant houses a blending unit with a production capacity of 120 tons per hour; a 25,000-ton storage unit; a modern training center dedicated to the various partners; a laboratory equipped with the latest analysis technologies to ensure product quality control and soil analysis and characterization; and a pilot farm for carrying out agronomic trials and training farmers.
Morocco and Nigeria are also spearheading a landmark gas pipeline project to cost about 25 billion dollars and benefit 13 countries in West Africa. The project will enhance regional economic integration, shared prosperity, growth and stability.