Nurturing Agricultural Alliances: Nigeria Seeks Morocco's Expertise
Nigeria's Agriculture Minister, Abubakar Kyari, aims to strengthen the nation's agricultural cooperation with Morocco, a country celebrated for its achievements in the sector. During his visit to the 16th International Agriculture Exhibition (SIAM) in Meknes, Kyari highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, stressing Nigeria's commitment to enhancing bilateral agreements and cooperation protocols.
In a press briefing at SIAM, Kyari expressed admiration for Morocco's progress in agriculture, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the two nations. "We are determined to enhance our bilateral agreements and cooperation protocols," he stated, emphasizing the shared ambition to foster regional integration and strengthen Africa's agricultural capabilities.
This diplomatic outreach follows an invitation from King Mohammed VI to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Morocco, which was extended during a phone call in January. The invitation demonstrated the monarch's commitment to advancing bilateral relations across various sectors, including agriculture and energy.
The ties between Nigeria and Morocco have been steadily strengthening, highlighted by the announcement of the ambitious Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project in 2016. This strategic initiative, designed to boost regional integration and energy security, has received consistent support from both King Mohammed VI and Nigerian officials, who have underscored its pivotal role in meeting the energy needs of over 400 million people along the West African coast.
The pipeline, expected to span 5,600 kilometers, will cross 13 African countries, further reinforcing the two nations' shared vision of a prosperous and interconnected continent. As Nigeria seeks Morocco's expertise in agriculture, this diplomatic effort signals a new chapter in their collaborative journey, one that promises fruitful outcomes for both nations and the region as a whole.