Nigeria and Spain are looking to deepen cooperation in agriculture as both countries explore opportunities in technology transfer, food production, livestock development and investment.
The discussions took place during a meeting in Madrid between Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as ambassador and on presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI. He said the ambassador’s arrival could provide fresh momentum for the relationship between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in areas such as agro food production, animal health and irrigation.
The Spanish minister highlighted his country’s experience in preventing crop diseases and producing improved, high yielding seedlings. He noted that these efforts had played a role in increasing agricultural and livestock production.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s large amount of arable land as a major opportunity for expanding food production and developing stronger agricultural value chains.
According to Planas, Spain has benefited from the use of improved seedlings, food preservation measures and strategies aimed at improving food consumption. He added that technology contributed to a 20 percent reduction in food losses in 2025.
Ikpeazu described agriculture as a major priority for Nigeria, particularly because of the country’s growing youth population and the wide range of employment opportunities available across the agricultural value chain.
The ambassador said stronger agricultural production could help Nigeria improve food security while creating more jobs and supporting efforts to tackle irregular migration.
He expressed Nigeria’s interest in drawing from Spain’s experience in areas including improved seed production, livestock development and food preservation. Ikpeazu also called for greater Spanish investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The ambassador further stressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production to meet domestic demand and increase export opportunities, while seeking stronger cooperation with Spain in developing the sector.
The talks highlight the potential for greater agricultural collaboration between both countries, particularly through investment, technology and knowledge sharing.
