President Bola Tinubu has promised quick implementation of newly signed agreements between Nigeria and Colombia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties across aviation, diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
The pledge came during a high-level diplomatic visit by Francia Márquez, Vice-President of the Republic of Colombia, who was received at the State House in Abuja on Monday by President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Márquez was accompanied by a delegation of top officials, including diplomats, business leaders, and government representatives.
“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” Tinubu told the Colombian delegation.
“Particularly for Colombia, 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.”
Nigeria Set to Replicate Brazil Aviation Pact with Colombia
Tinubu affirmed that the agreements reached during bilateral meetings, supervised by Vice-President Shettima, would be acted upon promptly, particularly those concerning aviation and consular cooperation.
He called on Colombian businesses to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas, agriculture, and emerging tech sectors, citing Nigeria’s youthful and skilled population as a key asset for potential investors.
“This is a Return to the Land of Our Ancestors” – Márquez
In her remarks, Vice-President Francia Márquez described the visit as deeply symbolic, marking a homecoming to Africa, which she referred to as “the land of our ancestors.”
“As the first Black Vice President of Colombia, I am extremely delighted to lead this visit. Our ancestors were taken from Africa centuries ago,” she said, highlighting the historic and cultural significance of the engagement.
She confirmed that discussions had already been held with aviation stakeholders regarding the launch of direct flights between Nigeria and Colombia, a move expected to boost people-to-people contact, business, and tourism.
Márquez emphasized her country’s commitment to cooperation in areas such as:
- Social justice
- Gender equality
- Cultural exchange
- Visa reforms
- Education and science collaboration
She also acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and urged stronger ties between the African Union and Latin American nations on issues of restoration, reparations, and global equity.
MoU on Political Consultations Signed
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations between the two countries. The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, during a joint business forum at the Presidential Villa.
The agreement establishes a framework for regular political dialogue and streamlined visa access for Colombian diplomats.
“The MoU allows us to strengthen diplomatic relations and makes it easier for our diplomats to engage with Nigeria,” Jassir noted.
Building a Shared Future
Speaking during the bilateral business forum, Vice-President Shettima said the renewed partnership between Nigeria and Colombia holds enormous potential. He emphasized the role of creative industries, education, and innovation in driving a sustainable partnership between both nations.
“This visit rekindles ancestral ties and lays the foundation for a stronger economic and cultural alliance,” Shettima stated.
He urged both countries to transform shared values and natural potential into “tangible economic outcomes that benefit future generations.”
