Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, has called for deeper economic and diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.
Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid while addressing Nigerians and other guests at an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The ambassador said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to commemorate Nigeria’s independence but also to reaffirm the country’s commitment to freedom, unity, progress and dignity.
He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly members of the Nigerian community in Spain, on the national celebration.
According to him, Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, marked the country’s emergence as a sovereign nation and laid the foundation for its continuing nation-building efforts.
‘Nation-building is a continuous endeavour, which demands resilience, innovation, and collective responsibility,’ Ikpeazu said, while paying tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose sacrifices secured the country’s independence.
He described Nigeria as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, with significant human and natural resources and a diverse cultural heritage.
The ambassador also highlighted Nigeria’s democratic institutions, large youth population and contributions to peace, security and development across Africa.
Ikpeazu said the anniversary also offered an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding and growing relationship between Nigeria and Spain.
He described the bilateral relationship as one characterised by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
He noted that Spanish companies, including GB Foods, continued to explore opportunities in Nigeria, describing the country as a dynamic market with significant investment potential.
According to him, Nigeria is seeking to leverage its relationship with Spain to attract more investments and expand business partnerships across strategic sectors of the economy.
‘We deeply value Spain’s partnership and look forward to deepening collaboration in areas of shared interest, including renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and the creative industries,’ he said.
Ikpeazu said the embassy would continue to promote investment opportunities in Nigeria while facilitating business-to-business partnerships between Nigerian and Spanish enterprises.
‘I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,’ he said.
The ambassador also commended Nigerians living in Spain for their contributions to the country’s social and economic development.
He described Nigerian students, professionals and entrepreneurs in Spain as important links between both countries and urged them to maintain conduct that would strengthen Nigeria’s image abroad.
Ikpeazu urged members of the community to remain united, law-abiding and committed to the values of enterprise, innovation and resilience.
He said their achievements and contributions could further strengthen the people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and Spain.
On Nigeria’s domestic economic situation, the ambassador said the government under President Tinubu was pursuing reforms to diversify the economy, improve governance, and promote inclusive growth.
While acknowledging the difficulties associated with the country’s current economic realities, Ikpeazu said the government remained committed to creating conditions for sustainable development.
‘We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,’ he said.
He said the government was determined to harness the energy of Nigeria’s youthful population, the creativity of its citizens and the strength derived from its diversity to build a more prosperous and secure country.
Ikpeazu stressed that international partnerships would remain important to achieving those objectives, particularly as Nigeria seeks to attract foreign investment and expand economic opportunities.
He said Spain’s continued support and partnership would be valuable to Nigeria’s efforts to deepen economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The ambassador called on Nigerians to use the 66th anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected nation.
‘As we raise a toast to Nigeria at 66, let us renew our pledge to work together for a nation that is peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nations,’ he said.