Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Félix Artieda, has proposed establishing structured political consultations between Nigeria and Spain at the ministers of state level to ensure a sustained review of bilateral progress.

This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson, Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

This was against the backdrop of Mr Artieda’s high-level meeting with the minister of state for foreign affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

The meeting centred on strengthening Nigeria–Spain bilateral relations across key strategic sectors and commitment to strategic partnership.

Also, structured political dialogue, security cooperation, and to expand economic collaboration anchored on mutual respect, and shared prosperity.

Mr Artieda reiterated Spain’s strong interest in advancing structured political consultations and operationalising existing bilateral instruments, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political dialogue.

“While the MoU is broadly framed, it provides useful platform for regular consultations at ministerial and senior official levels.

“I propose exploring structured political consultations at the level of Ministers of State, to ensure sustained review of bilateral progress between our two countries,” he said.

He highlighted recent legal cooperation milestones achieved between both countries including agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced prisoners and extradition.

“Spain has completed its internal-ratification process for the extradition agreement signed during the 2022 state visit of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘’We hope for finalisation of Nigeria’s ratification procedures to bring the agreement into full force.

“Spain is ready to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism, share best practices, victim support frameworks, and broader security sector engagement.

“Spain is interested in working more closely with Nigeria on migration governance frameworks. amidst complexity of immigration regulations within Spain’s national legal system.

“Spain remains one of Nigeria’s key energy trading partners, particularly in gas imports, and we are interested in expanding Spanish private sector investment in Nigeria,” Mr Artieda said.

Responding, Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed Mr Artieda and his delegation, while commending the historic ties between Nigeria and Spain, as well as his proactive engagement since assumption of duty in Abuja.

She said their meeting provided an opportunity to consolidate the gains of recent high-level exchanges between both countries.

According to her, although Spain focuses on victims of terrorism, much attention is often placed on kinetic and defence responses.

‘’Also, the humanitarian impact on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and affected communities requires equal emphasis,‘’ she said.

She underscored the need for expanded economic opportunities to reduce migration pressures.

Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that youth unemployment and demographic realities required targeted bilateral collaboration in job creation, skills development, and investment promotion.

“While Spain is one of Nigeria’s important trading partners, Spanish private sector presence in Nigeria remains below potential.

“Nigeria’s current economic reform agenda, including currency stabilisation, renewable energy prioritisation, infrastructure expansion, and youth-driven digital innovation, presents new opportunities for Spanish investors.

“With approximately 86 per cent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 45, there is an urgent need to leverage human capital development.

‘’Also, ICT innovation, renewable energy partnerships, and agricultural modernisation to unlock economic growth,” she said. 

(NAN)