The two countries are exploring technology transfer, investment, livestock development, irrigation and food-loss reduction to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security.
Nigeria and Spain have opened discussions on expanding cooperation in agriculture, with technology transfer, investment, livestock production and food security identified as key areas for collaboration. The discussions followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid.
The talks focused on opportunities to strengthen agro-food production, animal health, irrigation and agricultural value chains. Spain’s agriculture ministry said both countries face shared challenges linked to the future of agriculture and food security, while cooperation could support the exchange of knowledge, experience and practical solutions.
Planas highlighted Spain’s experience in crop disease prevention and the development of improved, high-yielding seedlings for large-scale crop and livestock production. He also pointed to advances in food preservation and more efficient production and consumption systems. According to the minister, technology adoption helped Spain reduce food losses by 20% in 2025, with additional preventive measures being pursued.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria was interested in drawing on Spanish expertise in seed production, livestock development and food preservation to improve agricultural productivity. He also identified inadequate storage infrastructure and transportation challenges as major contributors to agricultural losses in Nigeria, creating potential areas for cooperation and investment.
The ambassador highlighted Nigeria’s large agricultural potential and said stronger development of the sector could contribute to food security and employment generation. He also pointed to opportunities for increasing animal production for both domestic consumption and export, supported by Spanish technology, investment and expertise.
Existing Spanish business activity in Nigeria was cited as an example of the potential for deeper agricultural partnerships. Ikpeazu referenced GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states, where improved seedlings have reportedly increased tomato yields from about 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
Both sides agreed to explore greater cooperation through technology transfer and investment promotion. They will also consider proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders aimed at expanding existing economic and agricultural partnerships between Nigeria and Spain.
The discussions build on broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria-Spain economic relations. In September 2026, Nigeria’s new ambassador also identified agriculture, trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and other sectors as areas with potential for expanded bilateral cooperation.