President Buhari arrives in Abuja after two-day trip to Morocco

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a two -day official visit to Morocco where he was received and accorded ` five – star’ royal reception by the Moroccan leader , King Mohammed VI.
The presidential aircraft conveying the President and some members of his entourage back home from Rabat , Morocco, landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport , Abuja , at about 5 . 15 p . m .

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Governors of Ebonyi and Jigawa, Dave Umahi and Badaru Abubakar respectively who were part of the President’ s entourage to Morocco ; the Inspector -General of Police , Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and other top government functionaries lined up to receive President Buhari at the airport .

While in Morocco , President Buhari and King Mohammed VI of Morocco held bilateral talks where Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco signed three agreements , which included a regional gas pipeline that will see Nigeria providing gas to countries in West Africa sub – region that extend to Morocco and Europe .

The two African leaders also focused on strengthening economic relations in gas resource development, global investments and agricultural training and management .

The feasibility study of the agreement on the pipeline would be concluded by July 2018 , while construction of the pipeline would be phased based on needs of countries over the next 25 years .

The 5 , 660 km long Nigeria – Morocco Gas Pipeline will reduce gas flaring in Nigeria , encourage diversification of energy resources and cut down poverty through the creation of more job opportunities .

The NMGP will further encourage utilisation of gas in the sub – region for cooking , and discourage desertification .

In a communiqué issued at the end of the two – day President’ s official visit , Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco affirmed their will to create South – South cooperation model .

To this end , the two countries welcomed the significant progress made in various areas of cooperation , such as agriculture , fertiliser production , energy infrastructure and mining .

The communique, which was issued in Abuja on Monday , said King Mohammed VI and President Buhari had noted with satisfaction the milestones achieved and underscored their commitment to the agreement signed on the Regional Gas Pipeline .

The pipeline will connect Nigeria ’ s gas resources , those of some West African countries and Morocco , thereby fostering integration and development of countries in the West African region.

The two Heads of State also noted progress made in other areas of the bilateral cooperation , as evidenced by the Agreement between OCP of Morocco and the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria to invest in fertiliser production .

They noted that already the Memorandum of Understanding between OCP and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority on the establishment of a Basic Chemicals Platform , specifically to develop a significant Ammonia Production Plant had been signed.

“ On the basis of their exemplary cooperation, the two Heads of State agreed to develop a partnership in the field of agriculture , particularly through the signing of Cooperation Agreement on vocational training and technical supervision , ” the two leaders said .

On regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern , King Mohammed VI and President Buhari confirmed their willingness to consult and coordinate the positions of the two countries in regional and international organizations , including the African Union .

President Buhari congratulated King Mohammed VI on Morocco’ s election to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union .

He also congratulated him on the successful completion of his mandate as African Leader on Migration Issues .

He further noted that this had culminated in the presentation of the African Agenda for Migration and the creation of the African Observatory on Migration .

President Buhari also paid tribute to the personal commitment of King Mohammed VI to sustainable development in Africa .

On his part , King Mohammed VI congratulated President Buhari for his leadership in the regional initiative against terrorism in the Lake Chad region .

He also lauded his efforts in the fight against corruption and his role as the African Union anti – corruption champion .

The two Heads of State , in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan , according to the communique, underscored their commitment to moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence , as taught by Islam .

The two leaders also expressed deep concerns about violent extremism , terrorism and the persistence of security threats in Africa .

They affirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in efforts to combat radicalization in Africa and beyond .

” The visit reinforces the positive bilateral relationship between Morocco and Nigeria since the Royal Visit to Abuja in Dec . 2016 .

” At the end of the working visit , President Buhari , on behalf of his delegation , expressed his deep appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Government and the brotherly people of Morocco, ” the communique said .

President Buhari also met with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco , Saadeddine Othmani , at the Royal Guest Palace , Rabat , Morocco, on Monday .

At the meeting , the President said , “ Nigeria ’ s strongest selling point remains an “ intellectually aggressive and economically ambitious ’’ populace that always seeks self- improvement and self -actualization in any part of the world . ’’

Buhari also met with the head of the Moroccan legislature , Habib El Malki and the President of the Advisers on Commerce , Ben Chemmas .

The Nigerian leader ended his two – day visit to the Kingdom of Morocco with a visit to the mausoleum where he laid wreaths on the tombs of past kings .

( NAN )

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