Ikpeazu Seeks Stronger Nigeria-Spain Cooperation in Agriculture
Oru Leonard
MADRID, September 18, 2026 — Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has sought deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Spain in agriculture, livestock development, irrigation, food preservation and agro-processing.
Ambassador Ikpeazu made the call during a courtesy visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Minister Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and the successful presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI. He said the Ambassador’s assumption of duty would further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
The Spanish Minister highlighted the country’s advances in crop disease prevention, improved seedlings and agricultural technology, which he said had contributed to increased large-scale food and livestock production.
He noted that Nigeria’s extensive arable land offers significant opportunities for expanding food production and developing agricultural value chains. According to him, Spain’s agricultural success has been supported by improved seedlings, food preservation policies, consumption strategies and innovative technologies.
Planas also disclosed that technological innovations contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food losses in Spain in 2025, with additional preventive measures being introduced.
Responding, Ambassador Ikpeazu said agricultural development and increased food production remain priorities of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly given Nigeria’s large youthful population and the enormous opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
He said greater utilisation of Nigeria’s agricultural potential could strengthen food security, create employment and contribute to addressing irregular migration in Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s expertise in improved seed production, livestock development and food preservation, while expressing Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration and facilitate technology transfer.
The Ambassador cited Spanish investment in Nigeria, including GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun States, noting that the introduction of improved seedlings had reportedly increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
He also expressed Nigeria’s interest in developing animal production for domestic consumption and export, and called for stronger Spanish partnership in the sector.
The two sides agreed that enhanced cooperation, technology transfer and investment promotion could generate significant benefits for both countries.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at deepening and expanding the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and Spain.
(Embassy of Nigeria, Madrid
September 18, 2026)
