Ogun partners Morocco to facilitate energy mix, agriculture, seaports development

Ogun State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM) on power generation and distribution, education, housing, infrastructure and port development.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, signed on behalf of the state, while Ali Zerouali signed for Morocco.

Speaking at the event held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun noted that Morocco has achieved significant success in the areas of education, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and a host of others, from which Ogun State could benefit.

According to the governor, Morocco offers a 30 per cent subsidy as an incentive for investors and has signed 60 trade agreements with different countries across the world, becoming a leader in solar energy.

He stated that the country has transitioned from importing to exporting electric vehicles to Europe including manufacturing parts for aircraft manufacturers.

The success story of Morocco, the governor emphasised, would be replicated in Nigeria with the arrival of the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco to establish operations in Ogun State.

He said: “We want to learn from you how you perfected hydro, solar, and gas energy, presenting the right mix that, of course, brings down the cost of energy.

“We identified agriculture, agribusiness, and agricultural technology, in which you are very advanced. Morocco today is the largest producer of fertiliser on the continent and one of the biggest exporters of fertiliser. I recall that you were informed of the plan to establish a massive fertiliser plant in Nigeria. We hope that we can bring that plant to Ogun State.”

He added that the state has a Special Economic Zone at the Gateway International Airport, which would serve as a Free Trade Zone, stating that it is important to partner on how to transfer technology and collaborate to bring manufacturing and agricultural companies to the state.

Abiodun noted that the state has a scheme called the “Light Up Ogun Project,” which requires about 6,000 to 7,000 megawatts to power the numerous industries operating in the state.

“We have issues with generation capacity, we have issues with efficient and effective distribution, we have issues with transmission, and we know that you have succeeded in that area in Morocco. We discussed how we can collaborate to ensure we generate enough electricity for the state under our Light Up Ogun Project,” he added.

He stated that his administration was ready to partner with the Moroccans in the area of technical and vocational education.

On infrastructure, he stressed the need for the extension of the Blue Rail Line from Lagos to Ogun State, as the state has obtained approval to do so.

“Ogun State has a designated port area called Olokola, which is meant to be the deepest seaport in Nigeria. The desire to construct the port has been present for quite sometimes, and we would like to see this happening under our watch, even if it is a temporary berth port for sometimes,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Zerouali, who is the vice President of CGEM, stated that his organisation is ready to partner with the state on automobile, agro-food industries, and the education sector, with the belief that it would help to strengthen cordial relationship and enhance economic ties between the two countries.