Nigeria, Spain Deepen Food Security Talks As Ikpeazu Seeks Spanish Technology, Investment
Nigeria is seeking stronger agricultural cooperation with Spain to expand food production, cut post-harvest losses and strengthen national food security, with technology transfer and private-sector investment identified as key areas for collaboration.
The issue was central to discussions between Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, during the Ambassador’s courtesy visit to the Spanish ministry in Madrid on Thursday.
Planas highlighted Spain’s advances in improved seedlings, crop disease prevention, irrigation, livestock production and food preservation, saying the technologies had helped increase agricultural productivity and reduce food losses.
He noted that Nigeria’s extensive arable land presents significant opportunities to increase food production and develop stronger agricultural value chains.
Ikpeazu said expanding agricultural production was critical to Nigeria’s food-security strategy, particularly as the country seeks to harness its large youth population and create jobs across the agriculture and agro-processing sectors.
He stressed the need for cooperation in improved seedling technology, livestock development and food preservation, noting that inadequate storage and transportation facilities continue to contribute to food losses in Nigeria.
The Ambassador cited Spanish company GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states as an example of the potential impact of agricultural technology in Nigeria.
He said the introduction of improved tomato seedlings had increased 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.
The two sides agreed to facilitate closer engagement between relevant government agencies and private-sector players, with technology transfer, investment and agricultural innovation expected to form part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria-Spain cooperation on food security.
The meeting was held at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid, following Ikpeazu’s presentation of his Letters of Credence to Spain’s King Felipe VI.
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