Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has pledged to create more investment opportunities and strengthen business-to-business partnerships between Nigeria and Spain as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation.
Ikpeazu made the commitment in Madrid while addressing Nigerians and guests at an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The ambassador said Nigeria would continue to work with Spain to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.
“I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” Ikpeazu said.
He described Nigeria’s relationship with Spain as one built on “mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and expanding cooperation” in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Ikpeazu also highlighted the role of Spanish businesses operating in Nigeria, citing GB Foods and other companies as examples of firms taking advantage of opportunities in the country’s market.
He said Nigeria valued Spain’s partnership and looked forward to expanding collaboration in sectors capable of supporting economic development and stronger ties between the two countries.
The ambassador also acknowledged the contribution of Nigerians living in Spain, describing students, professionals and entrepreneurs in the country as “our most valuable ambassadors.”
He urged members of the Nigerian community to remain united, law-abiding and committed to values that would strengthen Nigeria’s image and relations with Spain.
“Your hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of our nation and strengthen the bridges between our two countries,” he told the Nigerian community.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Ikpeazu paid tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose efforts secured the country’s freedom in 1960.
He said their legacy demonstrated that nation-building remained a continuous process requiring resilience, innovation and collective responsibility.
According to the ambassador, Nigeria remains proud of its human resources, cultural diversity, natural resources, democratic institutions and contributions to peace, security and development across Africa.
He also said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to freedom, unity, progress and dignity.
On the domestic economy, Ikpeazu said the Nigerian government was pursuing reforms aimed at economic diversification, improved governance and inclusive growth.
“We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,” he said, adding that the government was determined to harness the energy of Nigeria’s youth, the creativity of its people and the country’s diversity to build a more prosperous and secure future.
He said the support and friendship of countries such as Spain remained important to those efforts.
Ikpeazu also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly those resident in Spain, on the Independence Day anniversary.
He urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected country.
“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.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
