Nigeria and Spain have agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, migration management, and economic engagement following high-level talks in Abuja between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Félix Costales Artieda.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the meeting focused on recalibrating bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest, noting her prior diplomatic experience in Madrid as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries reaffirming commitment to intelligence sharing and enhanced support for victims of terrorism.
Spain highlighted its ongoing collaboration with Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework, including a technical workshop conducted with international partners.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s continued investment in rehabilitation programmes for displaced persons, deradicalisation efforts and social reintegration initiatives as part of broader strategies to address insecurity.
Migration issues also formed a major part of the engagement. Nigeria expressed concern over fatalities linked to irregular migration along Mediterranean routes toward Spanish territories, while Spain acknowledged administrative challenges affecting Nigerians residing legally in the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu specifically raised concerns about difficulties associated with the Police Character Certificate requirement for validating residence permits of Nigerians in Spain.
Both countries agreed to pursue practical solutions to migration pressures through improved documentation processes and expanded economic cooperation aimed at tackling unemployment-driven migration.
Spain’s role as a major importer of Nigeria’s oil and gas was also highlighted, with discussions exploring avenues for fresh investment inflows into the Nigerian economy.
The renewed diplomatic engagement signals a push by both nations to align security collaboration with economic partnerships and humane migration management.
