Nigeria and Spain have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture through increased investment, technology transfer and improved food production, preservation and livestock development.
The agreement was reached 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.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment and the successful presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, saying his assumption of duty would further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
The minister highlighted Spain’s expertise in crop disease prevention, improved seedlings and food preservation, which he said had contributed to increased agricultural and livestock production.
He noted that Nigeria’s extensive arable land offered significant opportunities for expanding food production and developing agricultural value chains.
According to him, innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food losses in Spain in 2025, with additional preventive measures being implemented.
Responding, Ikpeazu said increased agricultural production remained a priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, given Nigeria’s large youth population and the opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
He said harnessing the sector’s potential would improve food security, create employment and contribute to addressing irregular migration in Africa.
The ambassador commended Spain’s advances in improved seed production, livestock development and food preservation, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the country in tackling post-harvest losses caused by inadequate storage, preservation and transportation facilities.
Ikpeazu also cited the operations of GB Foods in Kebbi and Ogun states as an example of successful Spanish investment in Nigeria, noting that the introduction of improved seedlings had increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
He further expressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, while seeking Spanish partnership in the sector.
Both sides agreed to facilitate proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders, with a view to promoting investment, technology transfer and stronger agricultural ties between Nigeria and Spain.
