Nigeria and Morocco sign gas pipeline deal to link Africa to Europe

Nigeria and Morocco have signed a joint venture to construct a gas pipeline that will connect the two nations as well as some other African countries to Europe, Nigeria's minister of foreign affairs said on Saturday.
The agreement was reached during a visit by the Morocco's King Mohammed to Nigerian, Geoffrey Onyema, the minister, said, adding that the pipeline project would be designed with the participation of all stakeholders.

"In this agreement both countries agreed to study and take concrete steps toward the promotion of a regional gas pipeline project that will connect Nigeria's gas resources, those of several West African countries and Morocco," Onyema told reporters in Abuja.
Onyema said the project aimed to create a competitive regional electricity market with the potential to be connected to the European energy markets. Government’s effort towards diversifying the economy away from oil led to the signing of the agreement on fertilizer production.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meetings, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, described the agreement on fertilizer as one that would boost agricultural production in the country.
For the gas pipeline agreement, the ministers of foreign affairs of the two countries, said that the agreement is aimed at accelerating electricity development in the region.
They also spoke on the multiple industrial opportunities for the two countries as part of the strategic vision of the two leaders.
Agreements were also signed on promotion and protection of investments, agriculture, banking, science and technology, and sustainable development.
Foreign observers have said that Nigeria and Morocco have a lot to benefit from the collaboration following the King’s visit.