By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Spain are set to deepen cooperation in agriculture, livestock production, irrigation and food preservation as both countries seek greater investment and technology transfer in the sector.
The move 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.
The meeting, held at the Palacio de Fomento, focused on possible areas of collaboration in agriculture and livestock, with food security identified as a shared challenge for both countries. Spain’s Agriculture Ministry also confirmed that Planas and Ikpeazu met to explore possible avenues for cooperation in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and on the successful presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI.
Naijablitznews.com reports that Ikpeazu formally presented his credentials to the Spanish monarch on September 14, marking the commencement of his diplomatic assignment in the country.
The Spanish minister said Ikpeazu’s assumption of duty would further strengthen the cordial relations between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
He highlighted Spain’s advances in crop disease prevention and the production of high-yielding improved seedlings, which he said had contributed significantly to large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
Planas also pointed to Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, noting that more than 40 per cent of the country’s total land area is arable and could provide significant opportunities for increased food production and value-chain development.
According to him, Spain currently produces more food than it imports, a development he attributed to the use of improved seedlings, effective food preservation policies and consumption strategies.
He further noted that innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food losses in 2025, with additional preventive measures being introduced.
Responding, Ikpeazu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest with the Spanish minister.
The Ambassador said increased agricultural production remained a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly given Nigeria’s large youth population and the opportunities available across the agricultural value chain.
He said fully harnessing the sector’s potential would strengthen food security, create jobs and contribute to addressing irregular migration in Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to work with the country to raise agricultural productivity.
He also stressed the need to tackle food losses caused by inadequate preservation facilities and transportation networks.
The Ambassador cited the operations of GB Foods in Kebbi and Ogun states as an example of successful Spanish investment in Nigeria.
According to him, the introduction of improved seedlings by the company had increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
Ambassador Ikpeazu also expressed Nigeria’s strong interest in expanding animal production for both domestic consumption and export, saying the country was willing to partner with Spain in developing the sector.
The two sides agreed that closer collaboration, technology transfer and investment promotion could deliver substantial benefits to 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 relations between Nigeria and Spain.
The meeting comes shortly after Ambassador Ikpeazu’s presentation of his credentials to King Felipe VI, with the Spanish Royal Household confirming his accreditation as Nigeria’s ambassador in Madrid.