Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, has called for a review of existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Spain, with particular emphasis on restoring stronger direct air links between both countries.
Ikpeazu made the call after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday, formally beginning his diplomatic assignment in Spain.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the ambassador conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings to the Spanish monarch and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Spain.
Ikpeazu identified trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people relations as areas with scope for deeper collaboration.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid after the ceremony, he said existing agreements should be updated to reflect current economic and diplomatic priorities.
The ambassador singled out the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, arguing that improved direct connectivity would facilitate trade, tourism and broader exchanges between Nigerians and Spaniards.
He also advocated greater involvement of businesses, universities, cultural organisations, civil society groups and communities in strengthening the relationship.
According to Ikpeazu, Nigeria is prepared to work with Spanish government institutions and the private sector to create new economic partnerships and increase trade and investment.
He described Nigerians living in Spain as an important link between both countries and pledged that the embassy would continue to protect their interests.
Ikpeazu said his mission would work with the Spanish government, diplomatic community, private sector, development partners and the Nigerian community to turn existing goodwill between the two countries into practical outcomes.
Nigeria and Spain have maintained bilateral relations covering economic, diplomatic, cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
Ikpeazu Seeks Review of Nigeria-Spain Air Agreement, Stronger Economic Ties
