Former Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ikpeazu’s accreditation was completed on Monday, September 14, 2026, when he presented his original Letters of Credence to Spain’s King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace of Madrid. The ceremony formally established him as Nigeria’s highest diplomatic representative in Spain and marked the commencement of his official duties.
The diplomatic process began earlier in July when Ikpeazu presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Adrián Martín Couce, Spain’s Director-General of Protocol, Chancellery and Orders and Introductor of Ambassadors, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the presentation took place on July 13.
Ahead of Monday’s ceremony, senior officials of the Nigerian Embassy gathered at the Ambassador’s official residence in Madrid, where Ikpeazu’s official portrait was ceremonially installed alongside those of President Tinubu and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He was subsequently conveyed to the Palacio de Santa Cruz before proceeding in a traditional royal horse-drawn carriage to the Royal Palace, accompanied by mounted personnel of the Spanish Royal Guard.
At the Royal Palace, Ikpeazu received military honours before being introduced to King Felipe VI and presenting his Letters of Credence. The ceremony was witnessed by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, and other senior officials, after which the Nigerian ambassador introduced members of his diplomatic delegation and held a private audience with the King.
With his accreditation now complete, Ambassador Ikpeazu is expected to focus on strengthening Nigeria-Spain relations, promoting trade and investment, protecting the interests of Nigerians in Spain and deepening cooperation between both countries. The Spanish Royal Household had listed Nigeria among six countries whose newly appointed ambassadors were scheduled to present their credentials to King Felipe VI on September 14.
