Spain ‘confident’ in Buhari’s economic reforms

The Spanish government has expressed confidence in the economic reforms and anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying they are vital to attracting investment to Nigeria.

Alfonso Barnuevo, the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria, made the remark at a ceremony in Abuja to commemorate the National Day of Spain in Abuja.

Barnuevo described the Nigeria-Spain relation as “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 September I, 2014, and I can only qualify the meeting as excellent for our relations,” he said.

“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.”

Barnuevo explained that trade relations between Nigeria and Spain had continued to grow, identifying Spain as Nigeria’s “second-best customer”.

He said Spain’s interest in Nigeria include the oil and gas, agriculture and construction, adding that his country is 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 a “two-way mutually-satisfactory” arrangement.

Barnuevo condemned Boko Haram attacks in the country, expressing Spain’s readiness 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 acknowledged Nigeria-Spain collaboration at the UN Security Council, saying the relationship is important in fighting terrorism and human trafficking.

Bukus Lolo, an ambassador and permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs, commended the Spanish government and King Felipe for extending their hand of friendship to Buhari.

He assured Spain and the international community that Buhari’s administration remained determined to bring positive changes to 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.”