(Ecofin Agency) - Subsequent to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the supply of phosphate between Nigeria and Morocco, 50,000 jobs have been created.

According to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Maikanti Baru (photo), who revealed the news on the sidelines of a meeting with the National Coordinator of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD-Nigeria), Princess Gloria Akobundu, the MoU also resulted in the production of about 1.3 million tonnes of fertilizer in the country.

“The Moroccans have already supplied a cargo of phosphate which has been delivered to various blending plants across the country. Already, eleven blending plants have come into production because of the supply. I am happy to inform you that this development has translated to the creation of about 50, 000 jobs,” Baru said.

According to him, Morocco has also granted Nigeria a credit term of 90 days and plans to export more cargoes that will be suitable for various blending plants in the country. He noted that aside bringing about a huge improvement to the Nigerian agricultural sector and the economy, the partnership is expected to boost the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Let’s recall that Nigeria in December signed an agreement on fertilizer with Morocco. Under this agreement, more than two million tonnes of customized fertilizer are to be imported from Morocco in the next three years.

Anita Fatunji