The Spanish Government on Friday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies, especially the anti-corruption campaign, were vital to attracting investment to Nigeria.
The Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alfonso Barnuevo, made the remark at a ceremony to mark the National Day of Spain in Abuja.
Barnuevo explained that Nigeria-Spain relation was ‘’excellent’’, having strategic components from the security, economic and commercial points.
“President Buhari and His Majesty, the King of Spain, held a meeting in New York on Sept. I, 2014, and I can only qualify the meeting as excellent for our relations.
“His (King Felipe’s) message to us is that we want to work closely with the new administration and Spain will always be a friend of your country.
“A solid and prosperous Nigeria is important to Spain; the political stability obtained after election will contribute to enhance the sustainable development and growth of Nigeria.
“The government of Spain has picked confidence in the economic reforms of President Buhari and his anti-corruption campaign; solid policies are important to attract investors,” he said.
The envoy explained that trade relations between Nigeria and Spain had continued to grow, pointing out that Spain was Nigeria’s ‘’second best customer’’.
He said Spain’s interest in Nigeria included the oil and gas, agriculture and construction, adding that his country was fortunate to have economic and trade relations with Nigeria.
“We bought, in 2014, 6.5 billion Euros of oil and gas; we can straight-forward say that Spain and Nigeria maintain strategic relation in this area,” he said.
He, therefore described trade relation between both countries as “two-way mutually-satisfactory”.
Barnuevo condemned Boko Haram attacks in the country, saying that Spain was ready to collaborate with Nigeria in the fight against the insurgents.
“We are happy at the great stride Nigeria is making in the field of peace and stability and in the fight against Boko Haram.
“This is a matter in which Nigeria can always count on the support of Spain. We in Spain have also suffered human terrorism for many years,” he said.
He acknowledged Nigeria-Spain collaboration at the UN Security Council, saying the relationship was important in fighting terrorism and human trafficking.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bukus Lolo, commended the Spanish Government and King Felipe for extension of hand of friendship to Buhari.
He assured Spain and the international community that Buhari’s administration was determined to bring changes that would impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“The promise that came with the campaigns and now that President Buhari is leading the government is one of bringing welfare to the people.
“The promise is one of changing the lives of the people for good and also enabling Nigeria to assume and play her role not only in West Africa, Africa but the world,” he said.
