Nigeria and Spain are seeking stronger cooperation in agricultural technology and investment, with improved seedlings, livestock production, irrigation and food preservation identified as areas with potential for expanded collaboration.
The discussions took place when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, paid a courtesy visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and on the successful presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, saying his assumption of duty would further strengthen relations between both countries.
The Spanish minister highlighted Spain’s experience in crop disease prevention and the development of high-yielding improved seedlings, which have contributed to large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s agricultural potential, noting that more than 40 per cent of the country’s total land area is arable and presents opportunities for increased food production and value-chain development.
According to Planas, Spain currently produces more food than it imports, with improved seedlings, food preservation policies and consumption strategies contributing to the development of its agricultural sector.
He said innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food loss in 2025, with additional preventive measures being implemented.
Ikpeazu said increased agricultural production remained a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly given Nigeria’s large youth population and the employment opportunities available across the agricultural value chain.
The ambassador said greater utilisation of Nigeria’s agricultural potential could improve food security, create jobs and help address irregular migration challenges in Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Spain to increase agricultural productivity and reduce losses linked to inadequate preservation facilities and transportation networks.
He cited Spanish investment in Nigeria, including GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states, where he said improved seedlings had helped increase tomato yields from 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
The ambassador also expressed Nigeria’s strong interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, and indicated the country’s willingness to partner with Spain in developing the sector.
Both sides agreed that closer cooperation in technology transfer and investment promotion could deliver mutual benefits.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders as part of efforts to expand agricultural cooperation and deepen Nigeria-Spain relations.
