The prospect of direct flights between Nigeria and Colombia is on the horizon, as both nations take concrete steps to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Colombian Vice-President Francia Márquez, who led a high-level delegation to Abuja on Monday, confirmed that her country has initiated talks with Nigerian aviation stakeholders on launching a direct air route between both nations.
Her remarks were made during an official visit to the Presidential Villa, where she was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside top Nigerian government officials.
The meeting follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations between the two countries, a development aimed at enhancing bilateral engagement across multiple sectors.
The MoU was signed during the Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Business Forum, with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, formalising the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.
“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” Vice-President Márquez said during the visit.
She emphasized that the move would not only deepen trade and tourism, but also build on the cultural similarities and shared heritage between the two countries.
Tinubu Pledges Swift Implementation of Agreements
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the Colombian delegation and expressed full support for the newly signed agreements, stating that the outcomes of the bilateral meetings would be implemented without delay.
“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” Tinubu said.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s existing bilateral aviation pact with Brazil, Tinubu noted that similar frameworks could be easily replicated with Colombia, particularly in aviation and consular cooperation.
“The agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate that,” he added.
Areas of Focus: Gender, Inclusion, and Economic Growth
Vice-President Márquez also highlighted social justice, gender equality, and inclusive development as key priorities in the Colombia-Nigeria partnership.
She described her visit as the beginning of a long-term, strategic relationship, underpinned by shared values and aspirations.
High-Level Presence at Bilateral Forum
The Nigerian delegation at the bilateral meeting included:
- Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President
- Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
- Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment
- Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development
The business forum is expected to pave the way for enhanced trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic collaboration between Africa’s most populous nation and the South American powerhouse.
