Fresh cooperation framework targets exports, irrigation technology, animal genetics, and vaccine production…
Nigeria has deepened its agricultural diplomacy with Morocco following the establishment of a renewed cooperation framework designed to expand livestock trade, agribusiness opportunities, and veterinary capacity between both nations.
The agreement emerged during a high-level bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Marine Fisheries, Forest and Rural Development, Ahmed El Bouari.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the discussions held as part of Nigeria’s livestock agribusiness study tour to Morocco, represent a major stride in the country’s drive to modernise its livestock sector and increase agricultural exports.
Nigeria aims to scale up livestock and crop exports
Under the new framework, Nigeria plans to increase exports of live animals, animal products, fodder, soybean meal, and sunflower seeds to Morocco.
In return, the Kingdom will provide support in irrigation systems, water-engineering solutions, enhanced animal genetics, and phytosanitary standards for red-meat processing and packaging.
To coordinate next steps, both sides have established a Joint Technical Working Group that will refine Nigeria’s proposals ahead of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expected to be signed at the SIAM Annual Agriculture Show in April 2026.
Veterinary research partnership on the horizon
The Nigerian delegation also visited BioPharma, a Rabat-based vaccine producer serving both Morocco and several African countries.
Talks focused on partnership opportunities with Nigeria’s National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, particularly in manufacturing vaccines for cattle, poultry, equines, sheep, and goats.
BioPharma’s advanced Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, which protects against seven serotypes, was noted as a strong match for Nigeria’s livestock-disease control priorities.
Background: Nigeria–Morocco trade relations
Nigeria and Morocco maintain a robust trade relationship spanning petroleum, agriculture, telecommunications, and emerging areas like renewable energy. However, both countries agree that deeper integration and fewer trade barriers are needed to unlock full potential.
In 2023, Morocco exported $109 million worth of goods to Nigeria, mainly mixed mineral and chemical fertilisers while Nigeria’s exports to Morocco stood at $43.6 million, dominated by bran and float glass.
Recent projections suggest significant room for growth. At a stakeholders’ forum on Nigeria–Morocco trade relations, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said bilateral trade could reach $2.5 billion annually, noting that current levels estimated to have risen to 1.88% over the past five years remain far below potential.
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