Gov Abiodun signs MoU with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM).
In his determination to accelerate the economic development of Ogun State and help its quick emergence as an industrial giant in the country, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Morocco to collaborate on power generation and distribution, education, housing, infrastructure, among others.
Governor Abiodun stated that his administration was ready to partner with the Moroccans in the area of technical and vocational education by further strengthening the existing technical colleges to train Nigerian graduates and bring about an economic revolution, as witnessed in Morocco.
In the MoU which the governor signed with the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco (CGEM), Abiodun specifically called to attention the state’s 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 and the extension of the Blue Line from Lagos to Ogun State, as the state has obtained approval to do so.
Governor Dapo Abiodun while speaking at the event held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noted that Morocco had achieved significant success in the areas of education, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and a host of others, from which Ogun State would benefit, saying Morocco had offered a 30 percent subsidy as an incentive for investors and signed 60 trade agreements with different countries across the world, as well as becoming a leader in solar energy.
He stated that the country had progress from importing to exporting electric vehicles to Europe and manufacturing parts for aircraft manufacturers.
The success story of Morocco, the governor emphasized, would be replicated in Nigeria with the arrival of the Confederation of General Employers of Morocco to establish operations in Ogun State.
“We hope that in our partnership we can unlock all the potential and maximize it. We want to learn from 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 fertilizer on the continent and one of the biggest exporters of fertilizer. I recall that you were informed of the plan to establish a massive fertilizer plant in Nigeria. We hope that we can bring that plant to Ogun State.
“Being an industrial state, we discussed manufacturing and industrial development, in which you’ve excelled. How do we partner? How do we learn from you so we are not starting from scratch? How do we develop technology together? How do we collaborate with companies in Morocco to bring the automobile industry to Ogun State?” He inquired.
He added that the state has a Special Economic Zone at the Gateway International Airport, which would serve as a Free Trade Zone, adding that it was important to partner on how to transfer technology and collaborate to bring manufacturing and agricultural companies to the state.
Abiodun noted that the state had 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.
He stated that his administration was ready to partner with the Moroccans in the area of technical and vocational education by further strengthening the existing technical colleges to train Nigerian graduates and bring about an economic revolution, as witnessed in Morocco, stressing the need for the extension of the Blue Line from Lagos to Ogun State, as the state has obtained approval to do so.
Speaking earlier, Vice President of CGEM, Mr. Zerouali, stated that his organisation was ready to partner with the state in the automobile, agro-food industries, and the education sector, with the belief that it would help to strengthen the cordial relationship and friendship, as well as enhance economic ties between the two countries.
Governor Dapo Abiodun signed on behalf of the state, while Mr. Ali Zerouali signed for the Moroccan side.
