Fresh Framework Lays Groundwork For Expanded Livestock Exports And Technology Support From The Kingdom
Nigeria and Morocco have moved to strengthen their agricultural relationship with a new cooperation framework aimed at boosting livestock trade, expanding agribusiness investment, and enhancing veterinary capacity across both countries.
The agreement was reached 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 talks formed part of Nigeria’s livestock agribusiness study tour to Morocco and signal a renewed push to modernise livestock production and position Nigeria for stronger export performance.
Officials from both sides committed to deeper technical collaboration and increased trade in priority livestock and agricultural products.
Nigeria sets sights on new export opportunities
Under the proposed arrangement, Nigeria plans to boost its export volumes of live animals, animal products, fodder, soybean meal, and sunflower seeds to the Moroccan market.
In return, Morocco will support Nigeria with technology transfers in irrigation, water-engineering systems, improved animal genetics, and higher phytosanitary standards for red-meat processing and packaging. A Joint Technical Working Group has already been established and will refine Nigeria’s proposals ahead of an expected Memorandum of Understanding to be signed at the SIAM Annual Agriculture Show in April 2026.
Spotlight on veterinary research links
The Nigerian delegation also toured BioPharma, a leading vaccine manufacturer in Rabat that supplies Morocco and several African countries. The visit highlighted a potential research partnership with Nigeria’s National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom.
The Presidency’s statement noted:
“Discussions centred on potential partnerships with Nigeria’s National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, particularly in the production of vaccines for cattle, birds, equines, sheep, and goats.
“BioPharma’s advanced Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine—which covers seven serotypes—aligns with Nigeria’s disease-control priorities and presents a pathway for improving the country’s livestock-health systems,” the statement read in part.
The Bigger Picture on Bilateral Trade
Despite longstanding diplomatic ties, trade between Nigeria and Morocco remains relatively modest. Key sectors include petroleum products, agriculture, and telecommunications, but both governments acknowledge the need to remove trade barriers and unlock new commercial opportunities.
Data referenced in the statement shows:
Morocco exported $109 million worth of goods to Nigeria in 2023, mainly mixed mineral or chemical fertilizers.
Nigeria exported $43.6 million to Morocco, driven largely by bran and float glass.
Officials say growth potential is significant, especially with ongoing projects like the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and planned collaborations in renewable energy.
Speaking at a recent engagement on Nigeria-Morocco trade relations, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said annual trade between the two countries could reach $2.5 billion if structural barriers are addressed.
He noted that the current trade percentage, estimated at 1.88 percent over the last five years, remains far below potential and must be improved.
