By Fatima Saka
Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called for the revitalisation of bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Spain, particularly the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, to facilitate direct air connectivity and boost trade, investment and tourism.
Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid after formally presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI of Spain at the Royal Palace on Mondad.
The development was contained in a statement signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The presentation marked the commencement of Ikpeazu’s diplomatic assignment in Spain and a new phase in efforts to strengthen the longstanding relations between the two countries.
During the ceremony, the ambassador conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to King Felipe VI, the Spanish Government and the people of Spain.
Ikpeazu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to broadening bilateral cooperation with Spain across trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people relations.
He said Nigeria was ready to work with the Spanish Government, relevant institutions and the private sector to unlock new economic opportunities, increase trade and investment flows and deepen institutional and commercial collaboration.
Following the presentation of the credentials, the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid hosted a vin d’honneur reception in honour of the ambassador.
The event attracted members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Spanish Government, business and cultural stakeholders, friends and associates of Nigeria, as well as representatives of the Nigerian community in Spain.
The reception provided an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Spain and engage key stakeholders on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Ikpeazu appreciated the Government and people of Spain for the warm welcome extended to him, pledging to advance Nigeria’s interests while consolidating the excellent relations between both countries.
He said the relationship between Nigeria and Spain offered significant opportunities for expanded cooperation, stressing that the partnership should extend beyond governments to include public institutions, the private sector, academia, cultural organisations, civil society and communities.
The ambassador also called for the review and revitalisation of existing bilateral agreements to make them more responsive to contemporary economic and diplomatic priorities.
Of particular importance, he highlighted the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Spain, stressing that improved direct air connectivity would facilitate economic partnerships, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Ikpeazu also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians living in Spain, describing them as an important bridge for strengthening mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of both countries.
He assured Nigerians in Spain of the commitment of the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid to promoting and protecting their interests.
The ambassador pledged to pursue policies and programmes that would strengthen the engagement of the Nigerian community with the mission and enhance their contributions to Nigeria-Spain relations.
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He said the embassy would work closely with the Spanish Government, diplomatic community, private sector, development partners and Nigerians in Spain to translate the existing goodwill between the two countries into concrete outcomes.
According to him, the objective is to advance shared prosperity and deepen people-to-people ties between Nigeria and Spain.
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