General News
Ikpeazu Assumes Duty As Nigeria’s Ambassador To Spain, Targets Stronger Economic Ties
By Iyojo Ameh
Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally commenced his diplomatic assignment after presenting his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Ikpeazu presented his credentials to the Spanish monarch on Monday, September 14, 2026, marking the official beginning of his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Spain.
During the ceremony, the ambassador conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings and best wishes to King Felipe VI, the Spanish Government and the people of Spain.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to strengthen its longstanding relationship with Spain, with emphasis on trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people exchanges.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria was ready to work with the Spanish Government, institutions and private sector to unlock new investment opportunities, expand bilateral trade and deepen commercial and institutional partnerships.
At a reception organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid to mark the occasion, the ambassador called for the review and revitalisation of existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Spain to make them more relevant to current economic and diplomatic priorities.
A key issue he raised was the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between the two countries, which he said should be revisited to facilitate direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Spain.
According to him, improved air links would strengthen economic partnerships, promote tourism and enhance people-to-people relations between both countries.
Ikpeazu also advocated broader collaboration involving government institutions, businesses, academia, cultural organisations, civil society groups and communities, saying Nigeria and Spain had significant opportunities to deepen their partnership.
He further described the Nigerian community in Spain as an important bridge between the two countries and pledged the Embassy’s commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerians resident in Spain.
The reception was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, Spanish Government officials, business and cultural stakeholders, representatives of the Nigerian community and other friends and associates of Nigeria.
Ikpeazu assured stakeholders of his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s interests and translating the existing goodwill between both countries into concrete economic, diplomatic and people-to-people benefits.
