Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has formally assumed office in Madrid, pledging to strengthen Nigeria-Spain relations through deeper economic and strategic cooperation.
Ikpeazu made the commitment after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace in Madrid, formally marking the commencement of his tour of duty as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid after the ceremony, Ikpeazu said Nigeria was ready to work with the Spanish Government, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment and economic cooperation.
“The relations between the two countries offer significant opportunities for expanded cooperation and a more robust and sustained bilateral partnership capable of delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians and Spaniards,” he said.
He identified trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people relations as priority areas for expanded bilateral cooperation.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria-Spain relations should move beyond traditional government-to-government engagement to include businesses, academic institutions, cultural organisations, civil society groups and communities.
He also called for the review and revitalisation of existing bilateral agreements between the two countries to align them with current economic and diplomatic priorities.
The ambassador identified the Bilateral Air Service Agreement as an important instrument for improving direct connectivity between Nigeria and Spain.
According to him, stronger air links would facilitate business and investment, boost tourism and deepen people-to-people exchanges.
“Improved air links would enhance economic partnerships, stimulate tourism and strengthen people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria was ready to engage the Spanish Government and private sector to identify new areas of collaboration, increase trade and investment flows, and strengthen institutional and commercial partnerships.
He also emphasised the role of Nigerians resident in Spain in strengthening bilateral relations, describing the community as an important link between the two countries.
“Nigerians resident in Spain are an important bridge for strengthening understanding, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Nigeria and Spain,” he said.
He pledged that the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid would continue to promote and protect the interests of Nigerian nationals in Spain while creating stronger channels of engagement between the community and the mission.
Ikpeazu further pledged to work with the Spanish Government, diplomatic community, private sector, development partners and Nigerians in Spain to translate existing goodwill between the two countries into concrete outcomes.
“Our mission’s objective is to advance shared prosperity, deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties between Nigeria and Spain,” he added.
At the credentials ceremony, Ikpeazu conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to King Felipe VI, the Spanish Government and the people of Spain.
His assumption of office marks a new phase in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Spain, with economic diplomacy, institutional partnerships and stronger connectivity set to feature prominently in his mission.
The reception brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Spanish Government, business and cultural stakeholders, friends and associates of Nigeria, as well as members of the Nigerian community in Spain.
