Latest news with #Morocco-Nigeria
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: Feasibility Study, Route Finalized
Rabat – The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has made significant progress, with key agreements signed, feasibility and engineering studies completed. Plans are also underway to create a special-purpose company and make the final investment decision by the end of 2025. Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, shared the latest developments on the project during a session in the Council of Advisors, the upper house of Morocco's parliament. Speaking at the oral questions session, Benali revealed that the latest ministerial meeting concerning the project had resulted in the approval of an agreement between the participating countries, along with the Host Country Agreement. These agreements mark a significant step forward in the project, which aims to connect Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves to Morocco, and further extend to Europe. The minister explained that the project will proceed in phases, noting that the feasibility study and initial engineering studies have been completed, along with determining the optimal route for the pipeline. The focus currently is on creating a special-purpose company between Morocco and Nigeria to oversee the implementation of the project. This company will be responsible for the final investment decision, which is expected to be made by the end of this year. Read also: UAE To Invest in Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, which is estimated to cost approximately $25 billion, represents a major driver for economic, industrial, and digital development, Benali says. It is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities and serve as a key factor in transforming Morocco into a primary energy transit hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic basin. One of the key components of this project is the creation of a national gas infrastructure. The Moroccan government launched a call for interest in April 2025 to develop infrastructure that will connect the northern regions of Morocco, including the port of Nador, to cities such as Kenitra, Mohammedia, and eventually to Dakhla. This expansion will help integrate the national network with the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline. The pipeline itself will span approximately 6,000 kilometers, passing through several African countries, with an annual capacity of 15 to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas. It is expected to provide access to energy for about 400 million people across 13 countries, dramatically improving energy access in the region. Tags: gas projectMorocco Nigeria
Morocco World
21-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
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. Read also: FM Bourita on Africa Development: We Focus on Opportunities, Not Problems 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
