By Mercy Peter
Nigeria and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, with emphasis on technology transfer, improved seedling production, livestock development, irrigation and food preservation.
The commitment was made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of 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.
During the meeting, 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.
The Spanish minister expressed confidence that the ambassador’s assumption of duty would further strengthen the cordial relations between both countries, particularly in the agricultural sector, where he identified opportunities for collaboration in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
Planas highlighted Spain’s advancements in agricultural technology, including crop disease prevention and the development of improved, high-yielding seedlings, which he said had contributed to the expansion of large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
He noted that Nigeria’s extensive agricultural potential, including arable land covering more than 40 per cent of its total land area, provided significant opportunities for increased food production and the development of agricultural value chains.
According to the minister, Spain’s ability to produce more food than it imports has been supported by improved seed varieties, food preservation policies and consumption strategies. He added that innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food loss in 2025, while further preventive measures were being implemented.
Responding, Ambassador Ikpeazu expressed appreciation for the minister’s reception and the opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest aimed at deepening relations between Nigeria and Spain.
The ambassador said expanding agricultural production remained a priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in view of Nigeria’s large youth population and the economic opportunities presented by the agricultural value chain.
He emphasised that fully harnessing Nigeria’s agricultural potential could contribute to food security, employment generation and the reduction of irregular migration challenges across Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s agricultural innovations, particularly in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation.
He also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Spanish institutions and private-sector investors to increase agricultural productivity and address food losses linked to inadequate preservation facilities and transportation infrastructure.
The Nigerian envoy cited the operations of GB Foods in Kebbi and Ogun States as an example of Spanish investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He stated that the introduction of improved seedlings through the company’s operations had increased tomato yields from approximately 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
The ambassador further underscored Nigeria’s interest in developing its animal production sector to meet domestic demand and support export opportunities. He expressed willingness to explore partnerships with Spain in livestock development and related areas.
