Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, has said the country is making progress despite prevailing economic challenges, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to pursue reforms and create opportunities for investment.

Ikpeazu made the remarks in Madrid during an event commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, where he called for renewed commitment to national unity, economic development and stronger international partnerships.

The ambassador acknowledged the economic difficulties facing the country but said ongoing reforms were aimed at addressing structural challenges and creating the conditions for sustainable development.

“We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,” he said.

He said the government remained committed to economic diversification, improved governance and inclusive growth, while seeking to harness the energy of young Nigerians, the creativity of the population and the country’s diversity.

Ikpeazu also stressed the importance of international cooperation, describing Spain’s support and friendship as valuable to Nigeria’s development objectives.

He pledged to promote investment and business-to-business partnerships between Nigeria and Spain, saying such initiatives would contribute to economic development.

“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.

The envoy said the Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since 1960 and renew the commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected nation.

He paid tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose efforts contributed to the attainment of independence, saying nation-building required sustained commitment, resilience and collective responsibility.

Ikpeazu highlighted Nigeria’s human capital, cultural diversity, natural resources, democratic institutions and contributions to regional peace and development as important assets that could support the country’s future growth.

On Nigeria-Spain relations, he said both countries had maintained growing cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He identified renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries as areas where bilateral cooperation could be further expanded.

The ambassador also praised Nigerians living in Spain for their contributions to the host country and urged them to uphold values that would strengthen Nigeria’s image and deepen relations between both countries.

He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary, urging citizens to work collectively towards a peaceful, prosperous and respected Nigeria.