The newly appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Chief Ademola Seriki has expressed worry over the lack of personnel in charge of implementing trade treaties between the country and Spain.
Seriki who spoke in Abuja at a dinner recently organized by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) said implementation continues to pose a challenge for Nigeria in international bilateral relations.
He said he will work to ensure that desk officers with assigned specific responsibilities to ensure the realisation of trade agreements are brought to the embassy.
He added that he plans to boost Nigeria’s trade relations with Spain by collaborate with the Ministries of Justice and Industry Trade and Investment to explore areas Nigeria can harness to boost the level of trade between both countries.
He also said that a team would be set up to monitor the implementation of trade treaties between both countries.
Oil accounts for 76.2 per cent of Nigeria’s Spanish imports and Natural Gas another 22 per cent.
However, in some sectors, the Spanish market share is high, such as ceramic products (21.2 per cent), beverages (12.5 per cent), mechanical devices (6.9 per cent) or coloring materials and paint (5.5 per cent).
Seriki said, “We have to seat down, work with the Spanish government, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Trade in particular.
Seriki said since January last year that he was appointed Board Chairman of CAC, the commission has been able to implement reforms that had made it easier for people to register their companies from the comfort of their home.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo described the outgoing Chairman as the man who has what it takes to achieve the task given by the President.
He described the relationship between Seriki and the management of CAC as one that is worthy of emulation.
On her part, the Minister of State, Industry Trade and Investment Mariam Katagum told the Ambassador that there is a lot of work to be done in Spain because of the its proximity to countries such as France and Portugal among others.
“The President has put a lot of confidence in you and you need to ensure that you perform the assignment given to you very well.
