Nigeria and Spain have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, technology transfer and investment promotion following a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades.
Ikpeazu met Planas on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid, where both officials discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
The Spanish minister 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, expressed optimism that his assumption of duty would further consolidate the cordial relations between both countries.
Planas highlighted Spain’s advances in crop disease prevention, improved seedlings, food preservation and large-scale agro-food and livestock production, noting that such technologies had contributed significantly to the country’s agricultural productivity.
He also identified Nigeria’s vast arable land, estimated at more than 40 per cent of its total land area, as an opportunity for expanded food production and value-chain development. According to him, Spain currently produces more food than it imports, with improved seedlings, food preservation policies and consumption strategies playing key roles in the achievement.
The minister further disclosed that innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food losses in Spain in 2025, with additional preventive measures being implemented.
Responding, Ambassador Ikpeazu said increased agricultural production remained a priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in view of Nigeria’s large youth population and the enormous opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
He said greater utilisation of the sector’s potential would strengthen food security, create employment opportunities and contribute to addressing irregular migration challenges across Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, while expressing Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the country to increase agricultural productivity and reduce losses caused by inadequate preservation facilities and transportation infrastructure.
The ambassador also cited the operations of GB Foods in Kebbi and Ogun States as an example of successful Spanish investment in Nigeria, noting that the introduction of improved seedlings had increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
He further expressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, while seeking stronger Spanish collaboration in the sector.
The two sides agreed that increased collaboration, technology transfer and investment promotion would provide substantial benefits to both countries.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at further deepening and expanding the longstanding relations between Nigeria and Spain.
