By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Nigeria is seeking to revive direct air connectivity with Spain as part of efforts to deepen trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations between both countries.
The move comes against the backdrop of longstanding and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and Spain, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation across key areas of shared interest.
Mr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Spain, made the call at a reception hosted by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid following the presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI.
“Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Spain should be reviewed and revitalised to facilitate direct air connectivity between both countries,” Ikpeazu said in a statement emailed to PerSecondNews on Tuesday by the Ministry of Affairs Spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to him, stronger air links would enhance economic partnerships, tourism and people-to-people exchanges while supporting broader bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador also called for a more robust and sustained partnership involving public institutions, the private sector, academia, cultural organisations, civil society and communities in both countries.
“Nigeria is ready to work with the Spanish Government, relevant institutions and the private sector to unlock new opportunities for mutually beneficial economic partnerships and increase trade and investment flows,” he noted.
Ikpeazu also called for the review and revitalisation of existing bilateral agreements to make them more responsive to contemporary economic and diplomatic priorities.
He acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians living in Spain, describing them as an important bridge for strengthening understanding, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of both countries.
The ambassador pledged that the Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid would continue to promote and protect the interests of Nigerian nationals in Spain while strengthening their engagement with the mission.
The reception, held in honour of the ambassador, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Spanish Government, business and cultural stakeholders, friends and associates of Nigeria, as well as members of the Nigerian community in Spain.
Earlier, the ambassador formally presented his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday, September 14, 2026, marking the commencement of his diplomatic assignment in Spain.
During the ceremony, Ikpeazu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings and best wishes to the Spanish monarch, Government and people of Spain.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Spain across trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism and security.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Madrid said it remained committed to working with the Spanish Government, diplomatic community, private sector, development partners and Nigerian community to translate the strong goodwill between both countries into concrete outcomes that advance shared prosperity and deepen people-to-people ties.