OGUN, MOROCCO SET TO COLLABORATE ON EDUCATION, ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE, OTHERS
OGUN, MOROCCO SET TO COLLABORATE ON EDUCATION, ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE, OTHERS
The Ogun State government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM) to foster collaboration in several key areas, including power generation and distribution, education, housing, infrastructure, and port development.
Governor Dapo Abiodun represented Ogun State at the signing, while Mr. Ali Zerouali signed on behalf of CGEM.
During the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun highlighted Morocco’s notable achievements in sectors such as education, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture, from which Ogun State aims to draw valuable lessons.
The governor pointed out that Morocco provides a 30% investor subsidy and has established 60 trade agreements globally, positioning itself as a leader in solar energy. He noted Morocco’s transition from importing to exporting electric vehicles to Europe and its capability in manufacturing aircraft components.
Abiodun expressed optimism about replicating Morocco’s success in Nigeria through the partnership with CGEM, stating, “We hope that in our partnership we can unlock all the potential and maximize it. We want to learn from you about the optimal mix of hydro, solar, and gas energy, which can lower energy costs.”
He identified agriculture and agribusiness as areas where Morocco has excelled, citing its status as the continent’s largest fertilizer producer and a significant exporter. The governor expressed eagerness to facilitate the establishment of a fertilizer plant in Ogun State.
Discussing manufacturing, he posed questions on how Ogun State can learn and collaborate with Moroccan companies to grow the automotive sector, noting the state’s geographical advantage for shipping vehicles throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Abiodun also emphasized the importance of Ogun’s Special Economic Zone at Gateway International Airport, envisioned as a Free Trade Zone, and discussed the critical need for technology transfer to boost manufacturing and agribusiness in the region.
He acknowledged the challenges Ogun faces in electricity generation, distribution, and transmission, and sought Moroccan expertise to enhance the “Light Up Ogun Project,” which aims to generate 6,000 to 7,000 megawatts for local industries.
The governor expressed a commitment to improving technical and vocational education in partnership with Morocco to cultivate a skilled workforce similar to that of Morocco’s robust economy.
On infrastructure, he highlighted plans to extend the Blue Line from Lagos to Ogun State, which has already received governmental approval, and mentioned the Olokola port area, envisioned as Nigeria’s deepest seaport, advocating for its expedited development.
Abiodun also outlined his administration’s ambition to build more housing and transform towns into smart cities, noting that despite the 5,000 homes already constructed, further partnerships in the housing sector are essential.
In his remarks, Mr. Zerouali, the vice president of CGEM, expressed readiness to collaborate with Ogun State in the automobile, agro-food, and education sectors, emphasizing that such partnerships would bolster the economic ties between Morocco and Nigeria.
