Nigeria, Spain Seek Closer Agricultural Ties as Ikpeazu Visits Minister

Nigeria and Spain have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, with emphasis on technology transfer, investment and food production.

The agreement followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, in Madrid on Thursday.

Ikpeazu paid a courtesy visit to Planas at the Palacio de Fomento, where both officials discussed opportunities to expand agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and his presentation of Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI.

The Spanish minister said the ambassador’s arrival would further strengthen relations between both countries, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.

Planas also highlighted Spain’s advances in crop disease prevention and improved seedlings for large-scale agricultural and livestock production.

He noted that Nigeria’s vast arable land offers significant opportunities for food production and value-chain development.

According to him, Spain’s food production has benefited from improved seedlings, food preservation measures and strategies that encourage efficient consumption.

He added that new technologies helped Spain cut food losses by 20 per cent in 2025, while the country continues to introduce further preventive measures.

Responding, Ikpeazu thanked the Spanish minister for the reception and opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest.

The ambassador said increased agricultural production remains a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, especially given Nigeria’s large youth population and agricultural potential.

He said fully developing the sector could strengthen food security, create jobs and help address irregular migration across Africa.

Ikpeazu also praised Spain’s innovations in seed production, livestock development and food preservation.

He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work with Spain to raise agricultural productivity and reduce losses caused by inadequate storage facilities and poor transportation networks.

The ambassador cited Spanish investments in Nigeria as examples of the potential for deeper cooperation.

He specifically mentioned GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states, where improved seedlings have reportedly increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.

Ikpeazu also expressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, while seeking Spanish expertise and investment in the sector.

The two sides agreed that closer cooperation, technology transfer and investment promotion would yield substantial mutual benefits.

They also pledged to consider proposals from relevant government agencies and private sector stakeholders to expand existing economic and agricultural ties between Nigeria and Spain.