Nigeria and Spain are exploring new opportunities to deepen bilateral relations, with tourism, direct air connectivity, trade and investment emerging as key areas of potential cooperation between the two countries.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, said Nigeria has enormous tourism potential that can be better positioned to attract Spanish and other European visitors, while stronger connectivity between both countries could unlock opportunities across several sectors of the economy.
Speaking in an interview with journalists on Tuesday, Ikpeazu, a former governor of Abia State, described Spain as strategically located as a gateway to Africa from Europe, stressing the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
He said there was considerable room for greater cooperation in tourism, trade, commerce, culture, security, education, agriculture and renewable energy, including opportunities around critical minerals such as lithium.
“There is a lot to do between both countries. The need to deepen and strengthen our ties is very important,” he said.
The Ambassador said Nigeria’s tourism potential could be better harnessed through stronger cultural exchanges and improved access between both countries.
He identified the restoration of direct bilateral air services between Nigeria and Spain as a critical step towards achieving this objective, saying direct flights would reduce travel time and make it easier for tourists, investors, businesses and government officials to move between the two countries.
According to him, stronger air connectivity would also improve people-to-people relations and provide a stronger foundation for increased trade, commerce and tourism.
“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 added.
Ikpeazu, however, said the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector must be approached as part of a broader economic strategy, stressing that tourism is closely linked to security.
He said greater collaboration between Nigeria and Spain in areas of maritime security and naval defence could contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and create a safer environment for tourism and other economic activities.
The Ambassador noted that Nigeria was already collaborating with Spain on naval defence and capacity building for security personnel, adding that there was potential to deepen such cooperation.
“Every economy, including tourism, is tied to security. We need a strategy that encompasses robust economic development to ensure that tourists move in safety, while private individuals are given the right environment to develop tourist centres,” he added.
He said improved security must be accompanied by better transportation systems and efficient movement of goods and people across Nigeria, noting that these factors are essential to supporting tourism, businesses and the wider economy.
The Ambassador also highlighted the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the measures have opened new possibilities for foreign investment in Nigeria.
He particularly pointed to the more stable and predictable dollar-to-naira regime and the ease with which investors can remit business proceeds, saying these developments have strengthened the investment outlook and created greater opportunities for international investors.
According to him, the changing economic environment is helping to reposition Nigeria as a destination with significant potential for foreign investment and business partnerships.
“The economic reforms have changed the outlook towards Nigeria as an investment destination,” he noted.
Ikpeazu said Spain could play a greater role in Nigeria’s economic development through increased investment and partnerships, particularly in sectors where both countries have complementary strengths.
He identified agriculture and renewable energy among the areas requiring deeper collaboration, while noting the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s critical mineral resources, including lithium.
The Ambassador also stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria-Spain cultural relations, saying both countries could benefit from increased cultural exchange and greater understanding of their similarities.
On education and human capital development, he disclosed plans to explore a Nigeria-Spain education hub that would focus on relevant skills and help address gaps in skilled manpower.
He said the initiative could provide Nigerian young people with skills that match emerging opportunities while strengthening cooperation between educational institutions in both countries.
Ikpeazu described Nigerian youths as resilient, resourceful and hardworking, saying they should be positioned to take advantage of the growing international interest in Africa.
He said the Embassy was also working to encourage Nigerians living in Spain who possess talents and expertise in different fields to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
The Ambassador further revealed plans to digitise consular services, saying this would make it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to access consular assistance.
On migration, Ikpeazu advocated a more structured and dignified migration pattern that would allow Africans to move legally between countries while contributing meaningfully to the economies of their host nations.
He said Nigeria’s efforts to improve its image internationally must also begin with its citizens, urging Nigerians to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the country and play their part in building a stronger economy.