Nigeria and Spain have expressed commitment to deepening cooperation in agriculture, with emphasis on technology transfer, food production, livestock development, irrigation and food-loss reduction.
The commitment was made when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, paid a courtesy visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid.
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.
Puchades said the Ambassador’s assumption of duty would further strengthen the cordial relations between both countries, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
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He said Spain had developed advanced technologies in crop disease prevention and the production of improved, high-yielding seedlings, which had significantly boosted large-scale agricultural and livestock production.
According to Puchades, “Nigeria’s substantial arable land, covering more than 40 per cent of its total land area, presents immense opportunities for increased food production and value-chain development.”
The Minister also said Spain currently produces more food than it imports, attributing the achievement to improved seedlings, effective food preservation policies and consumption strategies.
He added that innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food losses in 2025, with further 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.
“Increased agricultural production remains a top priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria’s large youth population and vast agricultural potential made the sector critical to the country’s development.
The Ambassador noted that fully harnessing Nigeria’s agricultural potential would “enhance food security, generate employment, and help address the challenge of irregular migration in Africa.”
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, and affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Spain to boost agricultural productivity.
He said Nigeria was particularly interested in addressing food losses resulting from 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, noting that the introduction of improved seedlings had increased tomato yields “from 10 tonnes to over 60 tonnes per hectare.”
He also reiterated Nigeria’s strong interest in developing animal production for both domestic consumption and export, expressing willingness to partner with Spain in the sector.
Both sides agreed that closer collaboration, technology transfer and investment promotion would yield substantial mutual benefits.
They committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at further deepening and expanding the cordial relations between Nigeria and Spain.
