Nigeria and Spain are exploring ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, with emphasis on technology transfer, food production, livestock development and investment.
The development 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.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain and his presentation of Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI.
He said the ambassador’s assumption of duty presented an opportunity to deepen existing relations between both countries, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
The Spanish minister highlighted his country’s experience in preventing crop diseases and developing improved, high-yielding seedlings, which he said had helped increase agricultural and livestock production.
He also identified Nigeria’s vast arable land as an opportunity for boosting food production and developing agricultural value chains.
According to Planas, Spain’s adoption of improved seedlings, food preservation policies and consumption strategies has contributed to the country’s agricultural performance.
He added that the application of technology helped Spain reduce food losses by 20 per cent in 2025.
Ikpeazu said agriculture remained a major priority for the Nigerian government, particularly given the country’s large youth population and the employment opportunities available across the agricultural value chain.
He noted that increased agricultural production could strengthen food security, create jobs and support efforts to address irregular migration.
The ambassador expressed Nigeria’s interest in leveraging Spain’s experience in improved seed production, livestock development and food preservation.
He also called for increased Spanish investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in areas capable of expanding production and strengthening value chains.
Ikpeazu further expressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, urging Spain to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in the sector.
