Ogun State partners with Morocco to expand power generation
The Ogun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM) to collaborate on power generation and distribution, education, housing, infrastructure, and port development.
This agreement aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration’s ambitious plans to generate between 6,000 and 7,000 megawatts to meet the demands of the state’s burgeoning industrial sector.
Governor Abiodun, who signed the MoU on behalf of Ogun State, acknowledged Morocco’s success in education, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture, noting that the partnership would be mutually beneficial.
According to the governor, Morocco provides a 30 percent subsidy as an incentive for investors and has signed 60 trade agreements globally. Additionally, the country has emerged as a leader in solar energy, transitioned to exporting electric vehicles to Europe, and contributes to aircraft manufacturing.
He expressed his aspiration to replicate Morocco’s achievements in Nigeria through this strategic alliance.
“We aim to unlock and maximise all potential opportunities within our partnership. We are keen to learn from Morocco’s expertise in hydro, solar, and gas energy to develop the right energy mix, thereby reducing costs,” Governor Abiodun stated.
He highlighted key sectors in which Ogun State seeks to collaborate with Morocco, including agriculture, agribusiness, and agricultural technology. He noted that Morocco is the largest producer of fertiliser in Africa and one of the world’s leading exporters of the product.
“The plan to establish a massive fertiliser plant in Nigeria was discussed, and we hope to bring this investment to Ogun State,” he added.
Recognising Ogun’s industrial potential, the governor also discussed how the state could partner with Moroccan firms to develop the automobile industry, capitalising on its strategic location for vehicle distribution across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The governor further emphasised the need to develop infrastructure, particularly the extension of Lagos’ Blue Line railway to Ogun State, a project for which approval has already been secured.
“Ogun State has a designated port area, Olokola, envisioned as Nigeria’s deepest seaport. This project has been in the pipeline for years, and we are committed to ensuring its realisation, even if it begins with a temporary berth port,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also discussed the state’s ambitious housing plans, highlighting his administration’s goal to build more homes despite having already completed 5,000 housing units. He called for collaboration in transforming Ogun’s urban centres into smart cities.
On his part, CGEM Vice President Mr Zerouali reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to the partnership. He stated that CGEM is prepared to collaborate in key sectors, including the automobile and agro-food industries, as well as education, to strengthen economic ties and enhance cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco.
