21-02-2025
Morocco to Build New Embassy in Abuja, Strengthens Nigeria Partnership
Doha – Morocco's Ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Tagma, announced plans to construct a new embassy in Abuja during his meeting with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday, signaling a new inflection point in the deepening diplomatic rapport between the two countries.
'We have now signed a contract with the company that will construct the building, and we are waiting for the facilities that the FCT will provide for us in the area allocated to us for the project,' Tagma disclosed during the visit.
The ambassador articulated the desire to expand collaboration beyond federal government relations. 'As you know, for many years now, our relationship is very, very excellent, and we want to develop this relationship not only at the level of the federal government but also with your territory,' he stated.
Tagma projected a vision of deeper integration. Moroccan citizens in Abuja 'have considered themselves citizens of Abuja, describing it as very beautiful and one of the best capital cities in Africa,' he said.
The ambassador extended a formal invitation to Minister Wike to visit Rabat. 'I want to invite you officially to Morocco. I will transmit to you the official invitation and I hope that you can pay this visit to Morocco as soon as possible. We will be very happy to receive you in Morocco, to meet your counterpart in our capital city and many members of the government of Morocco,' he declared.
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Responding positively, Wike proclaimed, 'Nigeria has a good relationship with Morocco and we would like to explore opportunities on how these two cities can cooperate. It is very key.'
The minister revealed he had already directed the Department of Development Control to facilitate the embassy construction project.
This expanding Morocco-Nigeria partnership, anchored by the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project, signifies a profound realignment of regional dynamics. Extending over 5,600 kilometers, the pipeline will connect Nigerian gas to Morocco and potentially to European markets, bypassing traditional routes through Algeria.
This deepening collaboration has paralleled Nigeria's strategic recalibration on key regional dossiers. Since 2016, Nigeria has demonstrated increased alignment with Morocco's positions, no longer including references to Western Sahara in its UN statements.
This shift in diplomatic posture delivers a crushing setback to Algeria's regional influence and its proxy militia, the Polisario Front.
Where Algeria once wielded considerable influence, its inflexible stance and its backing of the separatist group have left both increasingly marginalized in African affairs. In recent years, Algeria has been unable to secure meaningful diplomatic support even from traditional allies like Nigeria.
The NMGP project, which circumvented Algeria's longstanding role as a regional energy hub, coupled with Morocco's OCP Group's commitment to constructing fertilizer plants in Nigeria, exemplifies the tangible economic benefits of this partnership.
While specific agreements and tenders are yet to be finalized, the construction phase of the pipeline project is scheduled to begin this year.
Wike concluded by affirming his commitment to diplomatic relations. 'Our hope is to make sure that all diplomats in Abuja carry out their business in peace without any hindrances,' he noted.
'You will agree with me that the security has improved so much. You can see the infrastructure development going on in the city. So, we are happy to do anything that will make your stay in Abuja comfortable.' Tags: Diplomatic PartnershipsMorocco-Nigeria Relations
