Nigeria and Spain are looking to strengthen their economic relationship, with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, calling for the revitalisation of existing bilateral agreements between both countries. Ikpeazu said renewed cooperation could unlock greater opportunities in trade, investment and people-to-people relations.
The ambassador made the call after presenting his Letters of Credence to Spain’s King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday, formally beginning his diplomatic assignment. During the ceremony, Ikpeazu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger relations with Spain.
According to Ikpeazu, the areas with room for deeper cooperation include trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people exchanges. He also said Nigeria was ready to work with the Spanish government, institutions and private sector to create new economic opportunities and increase bilateral trade and investment.
One area the ambassador specifically highlighted was air connectivity. He called for the review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Spain, saying improved direct air links could support business partnerships, tourism and stronger interaction between citizens of both countries. He also advocated broader participation from public institutions, businesses, academia, cultural organisations, civil society and communities in strengthening the relationship.
Ikpeazu further described Nigerians living in Spain as an important bridge between the two countries, while pledging that the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid would continue to promote and protect their interests. He said the embassy would work with the Spanish government, diplomatic community, private sector, development partners and the Nigerian community to turn the existing goodwill between Nigeria and Spain into concrete economic and diplomatic outcomes
source: punch
