Nigeria and Spain have explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food production and food security during a meeting between Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades.
Ikpeazu paid a courtesy visit to Planas on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid, where both sides discussed areas of mutual interest in the agricultural sector.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and his successful presentation of Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI.
The Spanish minister said, “The Ambassador’s assumption of duty would further strengthen the already cordial relations between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in the areas of agro-food production, animal health, and irrigation.”
Planas highlighted Spain’s experience in crop disease prevention and the development of high yielding improved seedlings, which he said had contributed to increased large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
He said, “Spain currently produces more food than it imports,” attributing the achievement to improved seedlings, effective food preservation policies and consumption strategies.
The minister added that innovative technologies had contributed to “a 20 per cent reduction in food loss in 2025,” with further preventive measures being implemented.
Planas also observed that Nigeria’s substantial arable land presents significant opportunities for increased food production and value-chain development.
In his response, Ambassador Ikpeazu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest between both countries.
He said, “Increased agricultural production remains a top priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, given Nigeria’s large youth population and the vast potential of the agricultural value chain.”
Ikpeazu said fully utilising Nigeria’s agricultural potential would help strengthen food security and create employment opportunities.
“Full utilisation of this potential would enhance food security, generate employment, and help address the challenge of irregular migration in Africa,” he said.
The ambassador commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, saying Nigeria was ready to collaborate with Spain to boost agricultural productivity.
He said Nigeria was particularly interested in addressing food losses arising from inadequate preservation facilities and transportation networks.
Ikpeazu also highlighted successful Spanish investments in Nigeria, particularly GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states, where improved seedlings have reportedly raised tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
He reiterated Nigeria’s interest in developing animal production for both domestic consumption and export, adding that the country was willing to partner with Spain in the sector.
Both sides agreed that closer collaboration, technology transfer and investment promotion could provide substantial mutual benefits.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private sector stakeholders as part of efforts to deepen and expand relations between Nigeria and Spain.