Ikpeazu: Nigeria, Spain Poised For Stronger Trade And Investment Partnership

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, with a focus on expanding trade, investment and business partnerships between both countries.

Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid during an event to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, where he highlighted the growing ties between Nigeria and Spain and outlined areas with potential for deeper collaboration.

The ambassador said Nigeria valued its relationship with Spain, describing the bilateral ties as being anchored on mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He identified renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries as key areas where both countries could further strengthen collaboration.

According to him, Spanish businesses such as GB Foods and other companies continue to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s market, while Nigerians living in Spain are contributing to the social and economic development of their host country.

“We will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” Ikpeazu said.

He urged Spanish investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria while expressing the country’s readiness to facilitate stronger commercial partnerships.

Ikpeazu also used the occasion to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence.

He paid tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose sacrifices secured Nigeria’s independence in 1960, saying their legacy imposed a continuing responsibility on present generations to build a stronger nation.

The ambassador described Nigeria as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, noting its vast human resources, cultural diversity and natural wealth.

He said Nigeria’s youthful population, democratic institutions and role in promoting peace, security and development across Africa remained important assets in its national development journey.

Turning to Nigerians in Spain, Ikpeazu commended students, professionals and entrepreneurs for their contributions to Spanish society and urged them to remain united, law-abiding and committed to projecting the positive values of Nigeria.

“You remain our most valuable ambassadors,” he told members of the Nigerian community.

On the country’s economic situation, Ikpeazu acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerians but said the 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.

He added that the government was determined to harness the energy of Nigerian youths, the creativity of its citizens and the country’s diversity to build a more prosperous and secure future.

Ikpeazu stressed that the support and friendship of countries such as Spain would remain important as Nigeria pursued its development objectives.

He called on Nigerians to use the independence anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected country.

He ended his address with a toast to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain, expressing hope for stronger relations and greater cooperation between both nations.