Nigeria at 66: Spain Remains Strategic Partner in Drive for Investment, Economic Growth — Ikpeazu By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to deepen economic and investment ties with Spain, with the country’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, calling for stronger partnerships in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.
Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid while addressing Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community and other guests at an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Ambassador said Nigeria’s relationship with Spain was characterised by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation, stressing that the country was committed to creating more opportunities for investment and business-to-business partnerships between both nations.
According to him, Spanish companies, including GB Foods, continue to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding market, while Nigerians resident in Spain are making meaningful contributions to the social and economic development of the host country.
“I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” Ikpeazu said.
He described the 66th independence anniversary as an opportunity not only to commemorate Nigeria’s emergence as a sovereign nation in 1960, but also to renew commitment to the ideals of freedom, unity, progress and national dignity.
The envoy congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Nigerians at home and abroad, while paying tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose sacrifices secured Nigeria’s independence.
He said their legacy demonstrated that nation-building remained a continuous process requiring resilience, innovation and collective responsibility.
Ikpeazu described Nigeria as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, noting its vast human talent, cultural diversity and natural resources.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s democratic institutions, vibrant youth population and contributions to regional peace, security and development across Africa and beyond.
On the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Spain, the Ambassador said both countries had significant opportunities to expand cooperation in sectors capable of supporting sustainable economic development.
He specifically identified renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries as areas where stronger collaboration could yield mutual benefits.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian community in Spain, describing students, professionals and entrepreneurs as important links between the two countries.
He urged Nigerians in Spain to remain united, law-abiding and committed to projecting the values of enterprise, innovation and resilience associated with Nigeria.
“Your hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of our nation and strengthen the bridges between our two countries,” he told the community.
On Nigeria’s economic outlook, Ikpeazu said the Federal Government was pursuing reforms focused on economic diversification, improved governance and inclusive growth.
While acknowledging the difficulties confronting the Nigerian economy, he said the country was making progress and remained determined to build a more prosperous and secure future by harnessing the energy of its youthful population, creativity and diversity.
“We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,” the Ambassador said.
He stressed that Spain’s support and partnership would remain valuable as Nigeria pursued its development objectives and sought to attract greater investment.
As Nigeria marked 66 years of independence, Ikpeazu called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected nation.
He concluded by raising a toast to Nigeria and reaffirming the enduring bonds between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain.
