On January 24, 2024, King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu held a telephone conversation focused on two key areas: the recent upswing in bilateral relations and the progress of the Nigeria-Morocco African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline project. The royal office issued a press release outlining the discussion's highlights. The exchange underscored the positive trajectory of Moroccan-Nigerian ties in recent years, emphasizing a shared commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors. Both leaders expressed strong support for the gas pipeline project, viewing it as a transformative initiative with the potential to spur regional integration and unlock significant economic and social development opportunities for West African nations. The royal office described the pipeline as a «structuring project» and a «strategic lever» for regional integration, capable of benefiting all West African countries with its estimated population of over 440 million people. King Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco's steadfast commitment to the project's completion, emphasizing transparency, responsibility, and open partnership with Nigeria and other interested parties. The King further extended an official invitation to President Tinubu to visit Morocco, with the specific dates to be determined through diplomatic channels. This gesture underscores the importance Morocco places on strengthening ties with Nigeria and fostering closer collaboration on initiatives like the gas pipeline. King Mohammed VI's vision for Atlantic Africa, as expressed in his November 2023 speech, positions the pipeline as a crucial pillar for regional development. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts and practical solutions backed by international cooperation, with the pipeline serving as a catalyst for regional integration and economic prosperity.
