President Bola Tinubu has assured the Republic of Colombia of Nigeria’s readiness to promptly implement all bilateral agreements reached between the two nations, with a particular focus on aviation, consular, and cultural cooperation.
Receiving Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, and her delegation of senior officials and business leaders at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu said Nigeria is committed to forging new partnerships in response to global economic shifts.
The President noted that agreements recently signed with Brazil in the areas of aviation and consular relations would be extended to Colombia. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fast-track implementation under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“I believe the Vice President and his team have done the job. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on. 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,” Tinubu said.
He also urged Colombian investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as well as agriculture, stressing that the country’s youthful population provides both a large market and skilled workforce.
Vice President Shettima described the visit as a chance to reconnect ancestral ties disrupted by slavery and colonialism, while highlighting political and cultural similarities that could support a stronger economic partnership.
In her remarks, Vice President Márquez expressed delight at visiting Nigeria, describing it as the “land of our ancestors.” She identified aviation, visas, cultural exchange, political consultations, and trade as key areas for deepened cooperation.
“We have had a meeting with business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she revealed, adding that relations with Nigeria would also emphasize social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
She also noted Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s advocacy for reparation and restoration, saying this would enrich ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.