By | Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Nigeria’s large youth population and vast agricultural value chain present significant opportunities to strengthen food security, create jobs and help tackle irregular migration across Africa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has said.
Ikpeazu stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid.
The meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in agro-food production, animal health, irrigation, technology transfer and investment.
Minister Planas congratulated Ambassador Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and the successful presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, saying his assumption of duty would further strengthen the cordial relations between both countries.
The Spanish minister highlighted Spain’s advances in crop disease prevention and the development of high-yielding improved seedlings, which he said had contributed significantly to large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
He noted that Nigeria’s substantial arable land, estimated at more than 40 per cent of its total land area, provides enormous opportunities for increased food production and agricultural value-chain development.
According to Planas, Spain currently produces more food than it imports, a development he attributed to the use of improved seedlings, effective food preservation policies and strategies that promote efficient consumption.
He further disclosed that innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food loss in 2025, with additional preventive measures being implemented.
Responding, Ikpeazu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest between Nigeria and Spain.
The Ambassador said increased agricultural production remains a major priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in view of Nigeria’s large youth population and the enormous potential of its agricultural value chain.
He stressed that fully harnessing the potential would not only improve food security but also create employment opportunities and contribute to addressing the challenge of irregular migration in Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s innovations in improved seed production, livestock development and food preservation, assuring that Nigeria was ready to collaborate with the European country to increase agricultural productivity and reduce food losses caused by inadequate preservation facilities and transportation networks.
He also cited successful Spanish investments in Nigeria, particularly GB Foods, which operates in Kebbi and Ogun States.
According to him, the introduction of improved seedlings through such investments has increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare, demonstrating the impact of technology and improved agricultural practices.
The Ambassador further expressed Nigeria’s strong interest in developing animal production for both domestic consumption and export, while indicating the country’s readiness to partner with Spain in the sector.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed that closer collaboration, technology transfer and investment promotion could deliver substantial mutual benefits to Nigeria and Spain.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at further deepening and expanding the existing bilateral relationship between the two counties.
