Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and former Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called for stronger connectivity between Nigeria and Spain, saying improved links could unlock opportunities in tourism, trade, investment and other sectors.

Ikpeazu, who spoke by telephone, said the two countries were exploring new opportunities to deepen bilateral relations, with tourism, direct air connectivity, trade and investment emerging as key areas of potential cooperation.

He said Spain’s strategic position as a gateway between Europe and Africa made stronger ties with Nigeria particularly important.

According to him, there is considerable scope for increased cooperation in tourism, trade, commerce, culture, security, education, agriculture and renewable energy, including the development of critical minerals such as lithium.

Ikpeazu said Nigeria’s considerable tourism potential could be better harnessed through stronger cultural exchanges and improved access between the two countries.

He identified the restoration of direct air services between Nigeria and Spain as a critical step towards achieving this, saying direct flights would reduce travel time and facilitate movement for tourists, investors, businesses and government officials.

“Trade, commerce, tourism and collaboration must start with restoration of bilateral air services between both countries, which I am focused on restoring and hopeful that it would be restored because it would strengthen government-to-government relations in respect of trade and tourism,” he said.

The ambassador said improved air connectivity would also strengthen people-to-people relations and provide a foundation for increased trade, commerce and tourism.

However, he stressed that developing Nigeria’s tourism sector must form part of a broader economic strategy, noting that tourism was closely linked to security.

Ikpeazu called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Spain in maritime security and naval defence, arguing that such collaboration could strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and create a safer environment for tourism and other economic activities.

He said the two countries were already cooperating in naval defence and security personnel training, adding that there was room to deepen the partnership.

“Every economy, including tourism, is tied to security. There is need for a strategy that encompasses robust economic development to ensure that tourists move in safety, while private individuals are given the right environment to develop tourist centres,” he said.

He added that improved security must be matched by better transportation systems and more efficient movement of people and goods across Nigeria if tourism, businesses and the wider economy were to thrive.
Tinubu reforms

On President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, Ikpeazu said the measures had created new possibilities for foreign investment in Nigeria.

He particularly cited what he described as a more stable and predictable dollar-to-naira regime and greater ease for investors seeking to repatriate business proceeds.

The changing economic environment, he said, “is helping to reposition Nigeria as a destination with significant potential for foreign investment and business partnerships” and had altered perceptions of the country as an investment destination.

Ikpeazu said Spain could play a greater role in Nigeria’s economic development through increased investments and partnerships, particularly in sectors where both countries have complementary strengths.

He identified agriculture and renewable energy as areas with significant potential for deeper cooperation.

With Spain serving as a strategic bridge between Europe and Africa, the ambassador said Nigeria must move decisively to take advantage of the opportunities available.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening cultural relations between the two countries, saying increased cultural exchanges could promote greater understanding of their similarities.

Nigeria-Spain education hub

On education and human capital development, Ikpeazu disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a Nigeria-Spain education hub focused on relevant skills and addressing gaps in skilled manpower.

He said the initiative could equip Nigerian youths with skills suited to emerging opportunities while strengthening links between educational institutions in both countries.

Describing Nigerian youths as resilient, resourceful and hardworking, the ambassador said they should be positioned to benefit from growing international interest in Africa.

“Nigerian youths are resilient, resourceful and hardworking. The focus of the world is on Africa,” he said.

Ikpeazu also said the Nigerian Embassy in Spain was working to encourage Nigerians living in the country who possess expertise and talents in various fields to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

He disclosed plans to digitise consular services to make it easier for Nigerians in Spain to access assistance.

According to him, the embassy’s approach is centred on citizen-focused diplomacy, with efforts to ensure that Nigerians in Spain receive the support and services they need while maintaining strong links with their home country.