MADRID — Nigeria and Spain are exploring new opportunities to deepen bilateral relations, with tourism, direct air connectivity, trade and investment identified as key areas of potential cooperation.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Monday.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria has enormous tourism potential that can be better positioned to attract Spanish and other European visitors. He described Spain as strategically located as a gateway to Africa from Europe, and stressed the need to strengthen ties between both countries.
“There is a lot to do between both countries. The need to deepen and strengthen our ties is very important,” he said.
According to the Ambassador, there is considerable room for greater cooperation in tourism, trade, commerce, culture, security, education, agriculture and renewable energy, including opportunities around critical minerals such as lithium.
Air Connectivity Key To Growth
Ikpeazu identified the restoration of direct bilateral air services between Nigeria and Spain as a critical step to unlocking opportunities.
“Trade, commerce, tourism and collaboration must start with a restoration of bilateral air services between both countries. I am focused on restoring that, and I hope that it would be restored because it would strengthen government-to-government relations in respect of trade and tourism,” he said.
He added that direct flights would reduce travel time and make it easier for tourists, investors, businesses and government officials to move between both countries, while also improving people-to-people relations.
Security, Reforms And Investment
The Ambassador said tourism must be approached as part of a broader economic strategy and is closely linked to security. He noted ongoing collaboration with Spain on naval defence and capacity building, and called for deeper cooperation in maritime security.
Ikpeazu also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing a more stable dollar-to-naira regime and ease of remitting business proceeds as factors that have strengthened Nigeria’s investment outlook.
“The economic reforms have changed the outlook towards Nigeria as an investment destination,” he stated.
Education, Culture And Diaspora
On human capital, Ikpeazu disclosed plans to explore a Nigeria-Spain education hub focused on relevant skills. He described Nigerian youths as “resilient, resourceful and hardworking,” and said the world’s focus is now on Africa.
The Ambassador said the Embassy is working to engage Nigerians in Spain with expertise to contribute to national development, and is pushing to digitise consular services for easier access.
On migration, he advocated for “a more structured and dignified migration pattern” that allows Africans to move legally and contribute to host economies.
He concluded that the Nigeria-Spain relationship offers opportunities beyond traditional diplomacy, and with Spain’s position as a bridge between Europe and Africa, Nigeria “must move decisively to take advantage of the opportunities available.”
