The Diplomat
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares met with his Nigerian counterpart, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, in Madrid on Thursday, January 8. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations through new political consultations and highlighted Nigeria’s role as one of Spain’s main energy suppliers.
According to a press release from the Ministry, the two ministers met on the sidelines of the Conference of Ambassadors, which Tuggar attended as a guest.
The objective of the meeting, according to the Ministry, was “to give new impetus to political contacts between the two countries.” In this regard, both ministers proposed holding new political consultations, following those already held in 2023 and 2025.
The two ministers also addressed progress on the Africa Strategy (2025-2028), which, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “has achieved 36% of its planned action lines in just one year.” They highlighted the launch of the Interministerial Commission for Africa and the Spain-Africa Advisory Council, which includes a Nigerian woman among its members.
Albares emphasized that Nigeria is “one of Spain’s main suppliers of energy resources and a reliable partner” and stated that the bilateral relationship should be strengthened by creating new job opportunities through increased investment. Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed Nigeria’s entry into the Council of the International Maritime Organization, a candidacy supported by Spain.