NNPC Revives 11 Fertilizer Plants from Phosphate Supply Deal with Morocco
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that 11 fertiliser blending plants in Nigeria have been revived into production with the signing of a phosphate supply deal between Nigeria and Morocco.
The corporation also stated that so far, 1.3 million tonnes of fertiliser have been produced from these plants, while about 50, 000 jobs have been added from their production revival.
The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said this recently when he played host to the National Coordinator of The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD-Nigeria), Princess Gloria Akobundu, in Abuja.
Baru explained that the phosphate supply MoU between the two countries was targeted at rejuvenating Nigeria’s agricultural outputs by making fertiliser accessible and affordable to farmers in the country.
He noted that the deal was beginning to yield positive results, and that with the arrival of the first consignment from Morocco, Nigeria has also obtained a generous credit term of 90 days from Morocco which he said was planning to bring in more phosphate cargoes that will fit the various blending plants 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 and led to the production of about 1.3 million tonnes of fertiliser in the country,” said Baru.
He said that aside been a huge boost to the Nigerian agricultural sector and the economy, the phosphate supply deal with Morocco would boost bilateral relationship between it and Nigeria, in line with NEPAD’s objective of promoting regional economic partnerships and integration.
He told the visiting NEPAD officials that the NNPC has started the process of restructuring its operations to become a commerciallyviable world-class oil and gas company operating on the principles of transparency, openness and accountability.
Baru equally stated that the NNPC was still committed to the accomplishment of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project (TSGP) which it had in the past engaged the NEPAD on its implementation.
In her remarks, Akobundu stated that the NEPAD team was at the corporation’s headquarters to seek for areas of collaboration in promoting regional integration in Africa.
She said: “As NEPAD, we are mandated to identify and work with strategic partners to facilitate, monitor and promote the implementation of developmental projects across the continent.”
The NEPAD was established by the African Union (AU) in 2001 and charged with campaigning for poverty eradication, sustainable economic growth, mutual integration of Africa, and empowerment of Africa’s women.