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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for improved trade and medical exchange between Nigeria and Cuba.
He made the call when he received a delegation from Cuba led by Fernando González Llort, member of the National Assembly of the People’s Power of Cuba (ANPP) and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) on a courtesy visit to him in Abuja yesterday.
Abbas, who was represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, noted that according to the United Nations (UN) Comtrade reports, “Nigeria’s imports from Cuba were just US$2,380 in 2024.”
He lauded the diplomatic ties between both countries, calling for the deepening of bilateral relations.
Abbas, according to a statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary( CPS) to the deputy speaker, canvassed for the establishment of parliamentary diplomacy.
According to him, parliamentary diplomacy would provide a platform to fast-track frameworks for medical exchanges, academic recognition, joint research and targeted investments between the two countries.
“Nigeria’s foreign policy, guided by the principles of African solidarity and cooperation across the Global South, continues to prioritise partnerships that promote peace, development and shared prosperity. The 10th Assembly is committed to advancing this through laws that enable economic cooperation, cultural exchange and global dialogue.
“We also recognise Cuba’s legacy of parliamentary solidarity, from decolonisation struggles to calls for global equity. It is both strategic and moral to formalise collaboration, where our legislatures can deliver, through law-making, institutional strengthening and parliamentary diplomacy that yields real benefits for our peoples.
“Our tools are laws, oversight and convening power. The Nigeria–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a platform to fast-track frameworks for medical exchanges, academic recognition, joint research and targeted investments. Parliamentary diplomacy must yield real outputs: MOUs, ratified agreements and funded programmes.
“Bilateral trade between our countries is minimal. According to UN Comtrade reports, Nigeria’s imports from Cuba were just US$2,380 in 2024. Yet, our cultural ties run deep in music, sports and literature. Let us convert this affinity into opportunities for artisans, agri-entrepreneurs and creative industries. Education, skills and youth exchange Nigeria’s demographic dividend depends on skills for the 21st century,” the speaker stated.
Furthermore, Abbas stated that, “scholarships in Cuba, paired with Nigerian internships and reciprocal placements, can produce professionals fluent in international cooperation.
“Cuba’s record is proven: over 1,200 doctors in 21 Henry Reeve brigades and tens of thousands still deployed worldwide. Joint training, health expertise exchange and co-developed treatments can strengthen Nigeria’s health systems.
“Nigeria prioritises affordable medicines and vaccine capacity. Cuba’s biotech, including the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine (92 percent effective against severe disease in published studies), shows what is possible. Partnerships in research, tech transfer and pilot manufacturing can boost vaccine production, protect public health and create jobs, while advancing Africa’s self-sufficiency.
“Nigeria sees this relationship not as a one-way street but as a balanced exchange. We value Cuba’s achievements in health, biotechnology and education, while Cuba can benefit from Nigeria’s 200 million-strong market, rich resources, vibrant creative industries and continental leadership.
“From energy and agriculture to pharmaceuticals, tourism, sports and culture, the opportunities are diverse and compelling. This is true reciprocity: Cuba brings tested knowledge, Nigeria offers scale and opportunity, and together we can uplift our peoples and the wider Global South.”
