Nigeria and Spain have opened fresh discussions on expanding agricultural cooperation, with technology transfer, investment, livestock production and food security identified as key areas for collaboration.

The development 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 recently.

Ikpeazu, who paid a courtesy visit to the minister at the Palacio de Fomento, said stronger agricultural ties with Spain could help Nigeria increase food production, create jobs and reduce losses across the agricultural value chain.

Planas, while congratulating Ikpeazu on his appointment and presentation of Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, said the ambassador’s arrival would provide an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations in agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.

He highlighted Spain’s experience in preventing crop diseases and developing improved seedlings for large-scale crop and livestock production.

“Nigeria’s vast arable land offers significant opportunities for food production and value-chain development,” Planas said.

The Spanish minister said the country had also made progress through improved seedlings, better food preservation methods and measures aimed at promoting efficient consumption.

He added that the adoption of new technologies helped Spain reduce food losses by 20 per cent in 2025, while further preventive measures were being introduced.

Responding, Ikpeazu thanked the Spanish minister for the reception and discussions on areas of mutual interest.

He said agricultural development was a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly because of Nigeria’s large youth population and considerable agricultural potential.

“Fully developing the agricultural sector can strengthen food security, create jobs and help address irregular migration across Africa,” Ikpeazu said.

The ambassador commended Spain’s expertise in seed production, livestock development and food preservation, saying Nigeria was ready to work with the country to improve agricultural productivity.

He also identified inadequate storage facilities and poor transportation networks as major causes of agricultural losses in Nigeria.

Ikpeazu pointed to existing Spanish investments in Nigeria as evidence of the potential for expanded cooperation.

He cited 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.

The ambassador also expressed Nigeria’s interest in increasing animal production for domestic consumption and export, while seeking Spanish expertise, technology and investment to develop the sector.

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.