By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally commenced his diplomatic assignment following the presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI of Spain.
Ikpeazu presented the credentials at a ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday, September 14, 2026.
During the ceremony, the ambassador conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Spanish monarch, government and people.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relations with Spain, particularly in trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, security and people-to-people exchanges.
Ikpeazu also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the Spanish Government, institutions and private sector to create new opportunities for economic partnerships, increase trade and investment flows, and deepen institutional and commercial cooperation.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid after the ceremony, the ambassador called for a more robust and sustained Nigeria-Spain partnership involving government institutions, the private sector, academia, cultural organizations, civil society and communities.
He also advocated the review and revitalization of existing bilateral agreements to align them with contemporary economic and diplomatic priorities.
Of particular importance, Ikpeazu highlighted the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Spain, stressing the need to facilitate direct air connectivity between both countries to promote trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
The ambassador appreciated the Spanish Government and people for the warm welcome extended to him and pledged to advance Nigeria’s interests while consolidating relations between the two countries.
He described the Nigerian community in Spain as an important bridge between the peoples of both nations and assured Nigerians resident in the country of the embassy’s commitment to promoting and protecting their interests.
The reception was attended by 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.
