In a press statement after the meeting, Minister Benali emphasized that Ekpo's visit provides an opportunity to review various projects, especially the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline. She noted that these initiatives build upon the positive momentum injected into bilateral relations by His Majesty King Mohammed VI's visit to Nigeria in December 2016 and the recent telephone conversation between the Sovereign and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Adekunle.

Ekpo, in turn, expressed that his two-day visit presents an opportunity for both sides to discuss the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, announced in 2016 during the royal visit to Nigeria, and its progress.

"Based on what has been achieved, the project is progressing," he noted, commending Morocco's efforts in this regard.

Morocco and Nigeria boast a long history of cooperation and have forged fruitful partnerships in the areas of energy transition and sustainable development, marked by the exchange of experience and expertise, capacity building, and project development. These successful collaborations are underpinned by several bilateral conventions entered into force across renewable energies, hydrocarbons, phosphate production, and fertilizers.

Considered a strategic project for the African continent, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline has the potential to ignite economic growth and foster regional integration.

This pipeline, stretching along the West African coast from Nigeria and traversing 13 African countries, will eventually connect the European market via Spain. At over 5,700 kilometers long, the project is estimated to have an annual capacity of 30 to 40 billion cubic meters and deliver approximately 3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.