Nigeria and Spain have agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture through technology transfer, investment and joint efforts to improve food production, livestock development and food preservation.
The agreement was reached when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, met Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid on Thursday.
Planas said stronger cooperation with Nigeria would focus on areas including agro-food production, animal health and irrigation.
He also highlighted Spain’s experience in preventing crop diseases and producing improved, high-yielding seedlings, which he said had supported the growth of the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors.
The Spanish minister said Nigeria’s large expanse of arable land presented opportunities for increased food production and the development of agricultural value chains.
He said Spain’s agricultural output had benefited from improved seedlings, food preservation measures and strategies aimed at improving consumption.
Planas also said the use of innovative technologies helped Spain reduce food losses by 20 per cent in 2025, with additional measures being introduced to further reduce waste.
Responding, Ikpeazu said agricultural development remained a priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly because of Nigeria’s large youth population and the employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
The ambassador said increased investment in agriculture could strengthen food security, create jobs and help address irregular migration in Africa.
He commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedlings, livestock production and food preservation, saying Nigeria was interested in working with the country to improve agricultural productivity.
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Ikpeazu identified inadequate storage and preservation facilities, as well as transportation challenges, as major contributors to food losses in Nigeria.
He cited Spanish food company GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states as an example of Spanish investment in Nigeria.
According to the ambassador, the introduction of improved seedlings through the company’s operations had increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
Ikpeazu also expressed Nigeria’s interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, while seeking Spanish expertise and investment in the sector.
Both sides agreed to promote closer agricultural cooperation, technology transfer and investment, while committing to support proposals from government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and Spain.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
