Colombian VP Márquez begins three-day official visit to Nigeria

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, arrived in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Saturday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

She was received at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by key Nigerian government officials, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar. Márquez was accompanied by her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the visit seeks to expand cooperation across several critical sectors, such as governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education, and security.

Also in Márquez’s delegation are Colombian cabinet members, senior government representatives, and business leaders expected to engage with their Nigerian counterparts in strategic discussions.

Among the anticipated outcomes is the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) targeting collaboration in women’s empowerment, trade, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

Scheduled events include bilateral government meetings, the Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum, high-level industry roundtables organised by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and a summit focused on Artificial Intelligence, signalling a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth.

This high-profile visit marks a significant step in deepening diplomatic ties and broadening mutual partnerships between Nigeria and Colombia.