Nigeria and Spain have initiated fresh discussions to strengthen their agricultural ties, with a focus on technology transfer, investment, livestock production, and food security. The talks followed a meeting between Nigeria's Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Spain's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, in Madrid. The meeting explored opportunities for collaboration to boost Nigeria's agricultural sector.
Ambassador Ikpeazu emphasized that stronger agricultural ties with Spain could help Nigeria increase food production, create jobs, and reduce losses across the agricultural value chain. He highlighted the importance of agricultural development in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, particularly given Nigeria's large youth population and considerable agricultural potential. Ikpeazu also commended Spain's expertise in seed production, livestock development, and food preservation.
Minister Planas noted that Nigeria's vast arable land offers significant opportunities for food production and value-chain development. He highlighted Spain's experience in preventing crop diseases and developing improved seedlings for large-scale crop and livestock production. Planas also mentioned that Spain had made progress through improved seedlings, better food preservation methods, and measures aimed at promoting efficient consumption.
The Spanish minister revealed that the adoption of new technologies helped Spain reduce food losses by 20 per cent in 2025, while further preventive measures were being introduced. He congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment and presentation of Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, saying the ambassador's arrival would provide an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations in agro-food production, animal health, and irrigation.
Ambassador Ikpeazu identified inadequate storage facilities and poor transportation networks as major causes of agricultural losses in Nigeria. He cited existing Spanish investments in Nigeria, such as GB Foods' operations in Kebbi and Ogun states, where the use of improved seedlings has reportedly raised tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare. Ikpeazu expressed Nigeria's interest in increasing animal production for domestic consumption and export.
Both sides agreed on the need to deepen cooperation through technology transfer and investment promotion. They also agreed to consider proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at expanding existing economic and agricultural partnerships between Nigeria and Spain. The discussions aimed to strengthen food security, create jobs, and help address irregular migration across Africa.
The cooperation between Nigeria and Spain is expected to enhance Nigeria's agricultural productivity and contribute to the country's economic growth. The two countries are exploring ways to leverage Spanish expertise, technology, and investment to develop Nigeria's agricultural sector. Key areas of focus include livestock production, food preservation, and seed production.
Key points
- Nigeria and Spain are discussing ways to expand agricultural cooperation, focusing on technology transfer, investment, and food security.
- The cooperation aims to strengthen food security, create jobs, and help address irregular migration across Africa.
- Nigeria is seeking Spanish expertise, technology, and investment to develop its agricultural sector, particularly in livestock production, food preservation, and seed production.
