Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to deepen economic and diplomatic relations with Spain, with the Nigerian Ambassador to the country, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, seeking increased Spanish investment in Nigeria’s renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and creative industries.
Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid while speaking at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration, where he said the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Spain offered significant opportunities for stronger economic cooperation and business-to-business partnerships.
The Ambassador said Nigeria’s relationship with Spain had continued to grow on the foundations of mutual respect, constructive dialogue and cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
He specifically cited the presence of Spanish companies, including GB Foods, in Nigeria as evidence of the opportunities available in the country’s market, while urging more Spanish businesses to explore the country’s investment potential.
According to him, the Nigerian mission in Spain would continue to facilitate investment opportunities and business-to-business matchmaking as part of efforts to attract more capital and strengthen economic ties between both countries.
“I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” he said.
The Ambassador also highlighted the contribution of Nigerians living in Spain to the country’s social and economic development, describing the diaspora community as an important bridge between the two countries.
He urged Nigerian students, professionals and entrepreneurs in Spain to remain law-abiding and united while projecting the country’s values of enterprise, innovation and resilience.
“You remain our most valuable ambassadors. Your hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of our nation and strengthen the bridges between our two countries,” Ikpeazu told the community.
The Ambassador said the 66th anniversary offered Nigerians an opportunity not only to celebrate the country’s independence but also to reflect on the sacrifices of the nationalists and patriots who secured independence in 1960.
He said Nigeria had, since independence, emerged as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, while retaining significant human and natural resources as well as a vibrant youth population.
Ikpeazu also pointed to Nigeria’s contribution to peace, security and development across Africa, saying the country remained committed to playing a constructive role on the continent and beyond.
On the domestic front, the ambassador acknowledged the economic difficulties 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 said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was determined to harness Nigeria’s youthful population, creativity and diversity to build a more prosperous and secure future.
Ikpeazu further identified renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative sector as areas where Nigeria and Spain could expand cooperation, stressing that Spain’s partnership would remain valuable as Nigeria pursued its development objectives.
The Ambassador’s call comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s broader efforts to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy away from excessive dependence on oil revenues, while strengthening partnerships with European countries.
He said the Independence Anniversary was also a moment for Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity, peace, prosperity and national development.
The event in Madrid brought together Nigerian officials, members of the Nigerian community and Spanish stakeholders to commemorate Nigeria’s emergence as an independent sovereign nation on October 1, 1960.
Ikpeazu congratulated President Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary, paying tribute to the country’s founding nationalists and urging citizens to sustain the collective responsibility required to build a stronger nation.
He called for renewed commitment to building a Nigeria that is “peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nations.”
