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By Woke Joshua
Nigeria and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, with emphasis on technology transfer, investment promotion and sustainable food production.
The commitment was reached during a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid, in a statement on Friday, said the meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to explore new areas of collaboration in the agricultural sector.
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.
Planas expressed confidence that the Ambassador’s assumption of duty would further strengthen the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
He highlighted Spain’s agricultural innovations in crop disease prevention, improved seedlings and technologies supporting large-scale food and livestock production.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s vast arable land, estimated at over 40 per cent of its total land area, presented significant opportunities for increased food production and agricultural value-chain development.
He attributed Spain’s ability to produce more food than it imports to advances in improved seedlings, food preservation policies and consumption strategies.
Planas further disclosed that innovative technologies helped reduce food loss by 20 per cent in 2025, while additional preventive measures were being implemented.
Responding, Ambassador Ikpeazu said agricultural development remained a major priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in view of Nigeria’s large youth population and the vast opportunities in the agricultural value chain.
He said unlocking the sector’s potential would enhance food security, create jobs and contribute to addressing irregular migration in Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s progress in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation in these areas.
He identified inadequate preservation facilities and transportation networks as major contributors to food losses in Nigeria, stressing the importance of collaboration to address the challenges.
The Ambassador cited the operations of GB Foods in Kebbi and Ogun States as an example of successful Spanish investment in Nigeria.
According to him, the company’s introduction of improved seedlings had increased tomato yields from 10 tonnes to over 60 tonnes per hectare.
Ikpeazu also expressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, while seeking Spanish partnership to develop the sector.
The two sides agreed that stronger collaboration, technology transfer and investment promotion would generate mutual benefits and further expand bilateral relations.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to advance cooperation in agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.