Market News

By Deborah Musa

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, has called for the revitalisation of existing bilateral agreements with Spain, including the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, to strengthen economic cooperation and people-to-people relations between both countries.

Ikpeazu made the call after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday.

The presentation formally marked the commencement of Ikpeazu’s diplomatic assignment to Spain, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Tuesday.

During the ceremony, the ambassador conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Bola Tinubu to the Spanish monarch, government and people.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Spain, particularly in trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people exchanges.

Ikpeazu also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the Spanish government, institutions and private sector to create new opportunities for economic partnerships and increase trade and investment between the two countries.

Speaking at a reception organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid after the ceremony, the ambassador said existing bilateral agreements should be reviewed to reflect current economic and diplomatic priorities.

He specifically highlighted the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Spain, stressing the need to facilitate direct air connectivity between the two countries. He said improved air links would help boost economic partnerships, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Ikpeazu also called for a more robust and sustained bilateral partnership involving public institutions, the private sector, academia, cultural organisations, civil society groups and communities.

The ambassador expressed appreciation to the Spanish government and people for the warm reception accorded him and pledged to advance Nigeria’s interests while consolidating relations between the two countries.

He said, “The relations between the two countries offer significant opportunities for expanded cooperation,” while advocating broader stakeholder participation in strengthening the partnership.

Ikpeazu also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians living in Spain, describing the Nigerian community as an important bridge for promoting understanding, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of both countries.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid to promoting and protecting the interests of Nigerian nationals in Spain.

The reception, a vin d’honneur held in his honour, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Spanish government, business and cultural stakeholders, members of the Nigerian community and other friends and associates of Nigeria.

The envoy said the embassy would continue to work with the Spanish government, diplomatic community, private sector, development partners and Nigerian community to translate the goodwill between both countries into concrete outcomes.

Nigeria and Spain have maintained longstanding bilateral relations, with cooperation spanning economic, diplomatic, cultural and people-to-people ties.