Amb. Okezie Ikpeazu deepens diplomatic engagements in Madrid, advocates new Africa–Europe partnership

Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, His Excellency Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD, continued his robust diplomatic engagements in Madrid with a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Africa–Europe relations, promoting sustainable economic development, advancing regional integration, and closer bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and strategic partners across the African continent.

The day’s activities commenced with the Ambassadors’ Breakfast Meeting at the Diplomatic School in Madrid, where ambassadors and senior officials gathered to deliberate on Spain’s Africa Strategy 2025–2028 and the evolving framework for cooperation between Spain and African countries.

During the meeting, Amb. Ikpeazu held productive discussions with Ms. Mencía Manso de Zúñiga, Spain’s Ambassador-at-Large for Global Health, and Ms. María del Pilar Méndez Jiménez, Ambassador-at-Large for Migration Affairs. Their conversations focused on migration, sustainable development, public health, and strengthening strategic cooperation between Europe and Africa.

Addressing participants, Ikpeazu advocated a comprehensive, development-driven and human-centred approach to migration, stressing that lasting solutions must address the root causes of irregular migration rather than merely its consequences.

The former Abia state Governor, Ikpeazu noted that Africa should no longer be viewed simply as a supplier of raw materials but as a continent with enormous industrial capacity capable of driving global economic growth.

“Looking at Africa merely as a source of raw materials will not discourage irregular migration. Rather, supporting industrial development, encouraging value addition to Africa’s abundant natural resources, and investing in innovative economic reforms will create jobs, build productive capacity, and retain Africa’s skilled workforce within the continent.”

The Ambassador further emphasized that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms present significant opportunities for international partnerships capable of generating shared prosperity for both Africa and Europe.

Later in the day, Ambassador Ikpeazu paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Ambassador Karima Benyaich, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Kingdom of Spain.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both ambassadors to exchange views on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco, while also discussing Africa’s strategic engagement with the international community in an evolving global order.

Ambassador Benyaich reaffirmed her commitment to stronger relationships between Africa and the rest of the world based on equality, dignity, and mutual respect. She observed that the changing global landscape presents Africa not as a burden but as a continent of immense opportunities capable of forging new partnerships that respond to emerging global realities.

The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including migration, climate change, regional cooperation, and expanding economic opportunities between Nigeria and Morocco.

Ikpeazu commended the growing collaboration between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, particularly in agriculture and the landmark Nigeria–Morocco Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project, describing the initiative as a transformative venture capable of reshaping regional energy security, accelerating economic integration, stimulating industrial development, and strengthening commercial ties between Africa and Europe.

He stressed that sustainable development remains the most effective long-term response to irregular migration.

“We must deepen our engagement with Europe to support sustainable development across critical industrial value chains. Supporting the establishment of industries capable of transforming Africa’s abundant natural resources into value-added products will create employment, promote shared prosperity, and provide dignified opportunities for our young people. This remains one of the most effective long-term responses to irregular migration.”

Both ambassadors also agreed to support national initiatives aimed at discouraging unsafe migration while promoting education, skills acquisition, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and regular pathways for skilled migration.

By 2:00 p.m., Ambassador Ikpeazu proceeded on another courtesy visit to Her Excellency Balbina Malheiros Dias da Silva, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Kingdom of Spain.

The discussions centred on issues of mutual interest between Nigeria and Angola, particularly opportunities for deeper collaboration in the oil and gas sector, where both countries remain key players on the African continent. The two ambassadors also exchanged views on regional economic cooperation, energy security, and the importance of leveraging Africa’s abundant natural resources to drive industrialization and sustainable economic growth.

A major focus of the meeting was the imperative of African unity amid rapidly evolving global geopolitical realities.

Ikpeazu emphasized that the changing international order requires African nations to strengthen solidarity, deepen regional cooperation, and speak with a more coordinated voice on issues affecting the continent.

“As the global geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the unity of Africa has become an existential imperative. Our collective strength lies in closer cooperation, strategic partnerships, and shared commitment to advancing the interests of the continent through peace, economic integration, and sustainable development.”

The series of engagements forms part of Amb. Ikpeazu’s ongoing diplomatic outreach since assuming office in Madrid, Nigeria’s commitment to constructive international dialogue, economic diplomacy, stronger bilateral partnerships, and a foreign policy that promotes sustainable development, peace, and inclusive prosperity for Africa and the wider international community.

Nwokeukwu Mascout Nnamdi

Author Profile

Editor

Latest entries

• NewsSeptember 25, 2026Rainbow Coalition: ‘It’s either you are in APC or you are out’, Gov Lawal hits Wike
• NewsSeptember 25, 2026Gombe: Court nullifies Pantami’s PDP gov ticket, orders fresh primary
• ForeignSeptember 25, 2026Xi charges US ‘Prudence’ on Taiwan, end to Iran war
• NewsSeptember 25, 2026Anyone who rigs election under my government will go to jail — Peter Obi