Nigeria and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.
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 visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid.
Both nations emphasized collaboration in key areas, including technology transfer, improved seedling production, livestock development, irrigation, and food preservation.
Minister Planas welcomed Ambassador Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain.
He expressed confidence that the ambassador’s tenure would further consolidate the cordial relations between both countries, particularly in agriculture, where he identified vital opportunities for partnership 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 have driven the expansion of large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
He noted that Nigeria’s extensive agricultural potential, anchored by arable land covering more than 40 percent of its total territory, offers significant opportunities to boost food production and develop agricultural value chains.
According to the minister, Spain’s ability to produce more food than it imports has been backed by superior seed varieties, strategic food preservation policies, and modern consumption models.
He added that innovative technologies helped Spain achieve a 20 percent reduction in food loss in 2025, with further preventive measures currently being implemented.
In response, Ambassador Ikpeazu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss mutual priorities to deepen bilateral ties. He stated that expanding agricultural production remains a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, especially given Nigeria’s large youth population and the economic opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
He emphasized that fully harnessing Nigeria’s agricultural potential would enhance food security, generate employment, and help address the root causes of irregular migration across Africa. Ikpeazu commended Spain’s achievements in seedling innovation, livestock development, and food preservation, affirming Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Spanish institutions and private-sector investors to boost productivity and curb post-harvest losses caused by inadequate storage and transport infrastructure.
Citing GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun States as a prime example of successful Spanish investment in Nigeria, the ambassador noted that the company’s introduction of improved seedlings had dramatically increased tomato yields from approximately 10 tonnes to over 60 tonnes per hectare.
Ambassador Ikpeazu concluded by underscoring Nigeria’s goal to develop its animal production sector to meet domestic demand and unlock export potential, reiterating Nigeria’s desire to build strong partnerships with Spain in livestock development and related areas.