Ogun State has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Morocco to advance cooperation in energy, education, housing, and infrastructure development.
The deal, forged between the Ogun State Government and the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM), seeks to harness Morocco’s expertise in energy production, particularly in hydro, solar, and gas energy, while also exploring industrial collaborations, including the establishment of an automobile industry.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State emphasized the potential benefits of the partnership, particularly Morocco’s success in energy generation.
He said, “We want to learn from you how you perfected hydro, solar, and gas energy, which, of course, brings down the cost of energy.”
The partnership also extends to sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, with the aim of establishing a fertilizer plant in Ogun State and developing technology to boost industrial output.
Governor Abiodun expressed his ambition for Ogun State to become a key player in the African automobile industry: “How do we collaborate with companies in Morocco to bring the automobile industry to Ogun State, where we know that from here, you can easily ship vehicles to all other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa?”
The agreement also addresses infrastructure development, with a focus on expanding Ogun’s Blue Line project and constructing a new seaport in Olokola.
Abiodun revealed that Ogun State is looking to leverage these collaborations to bring more housing and turn the state’s towns into smart cities.
Ali Zerouali, vice president of CGEM, expressed Morocco’s readiness to partner with Ogun State, emphasizing the potential to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. “We believe this partnership will benefit both countries, especially in sectors like automobile, agro-food industries, and education,” Zerouali stated.
This landmark MoU marks a major step in deepening relations between Ogun State and Morocco, promising advancements in energy, education, and industrial development.