Nigeria is making progress despite prevailing economic difficulties, the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, has said, pledging that the Federal Government will continue to pursue reforms and create investment opportunities to promote national development.
Ikpeazu said the government was committed to economic diversification, improved governance and inclusive growth as part of efforts to build a more prosperous and secure future for the country.
The ambassador stated this in Madrid, Spain, during an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, where he called for renewed commitment to national unity, economic development and stronger international partnerships.
According to a statement released by the Embassy on Friday, Ikpeazu acknowledged the country’s current economic realities but maintained that progress was being made through ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing Nigeria.
“We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,” he said.
Ikpeazu added that the government was determined to harness the potential of young Nigerians, the creativity of the people and the country’s diversity to achieve sustainable development.
“Government is determined to harness the energy of our youth, the creativity of our people, and the strength of our diversity to build a more prosperous and secure future,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in achieving Nigeria’s development objectives, describing the support and friendship of countries such as Spain as invaluable.
The ambassador also pledged to promote investment and business partnerships to strengthen the country’s economy.
“I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” he said.
Ikpeazu said Nigeria’s independence anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1960 and renew citizens’ commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
He urged Nigerians to work together towards a country that commands respect among the community of nations.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we raise a toast to Nigeria at 66, let us renew our pledge work together for a nation that is peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nations,” he said.
The ambassador congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly those residing in Spain, on the anniversary.
He also paid tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose courage and sacrifices secured the country’s independence, noting that nation-building required sustained commitment, resilience and collective responsibility.
Ikpeazu stressed that Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation with one of its largest economies, with abundant human talent, cultural diversity and natural resources.
He also highlighted Nigeria’’s democratic institutions, youthful population and contributions to regional peace, security and development across Africa and beyond.
On Nigeria-Spain relations, the ambassador said the two countries had maintained strong and growing ties based on mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
He said Spanish companies, including GB Foods, continued to explore opportunities in Nigeria, while Nigerians living in Spain contributed to the host country’s social and economic development.
Ikpeazu expressed Nigeria’s desire to deepen cooperation with Spain in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.
He also urged Nigerians living in Spain to uphold values that would strengthen the country’s image and promote closer relations between both nations.
“To the Nigerian community here in Spain, our students, professionals and entrepreneurs, I extend special greetings. You remain our most valuable ambassadors,” he said.
He added, “Your hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of our nation and strengthen the bridges between our two countries.”
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