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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has assured the Colombian delegation of Nigeria’s prompt implementation of all bilateral agreements aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, receiving Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, at the State House yesterday, Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s firm commitment to expanding international partnerships in line with shifting global economic and political landscapes.
“In today’s complex global environment, forging new alliances is crucial for shared progress. The agreements reached with Colombia will be treated with the same urgency as those we recently concluded with Brazil,” Tinubu said. “I fully support the initiatives led by the Vice President and his team to enhance aviation, consular relations, and broader diplomatic cooperation.”
The president encouraged Colombian business leaders to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s dynamic oil and gas sector and thriving agricultural industry. Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful and rapidly growing population, he noted the country offers a large market and skilled workforce to potential investors.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who oversaw the bilateral talks, described the visit as a historic rekindling of ancestral ties disrupted by centuries of slavery and colonialism. “This moment presents an opportunity to build a prosperous partnership grounded in our political and cultural affinities,” Shettima stated.
Colombia’s Vice President Márquez, the first black person to hold the office in her country, expressed profound joy in leading the delegation to Nigeria, describing the visit as a meaningful return to the land of their forebears. She highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration in key areas such as aviation, visa facilitation, political dialogue, cultural exchange and trade.
“Our discussions with Nigerian aviation leaders included proposals for direct flights between our nations, which would significantly enhance connectivity,” Márquez said. “This relationship promises mutual benefit, especially in social justice, gender equality and inclusivity.”
She further emphasised Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa and the African Union’s work on restoration and reparation as essential to fostering stronger ties between Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Earlier at the Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Shettima had called on the private sectors of both countries to transform their abundant potential into real economic gains. “We must leverage our similarities and resources to expand trade, deepen agriculture, foster culture and exchange ideas that benefit us mutually,” he said.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, highlighting the need for economic diversification amid global uncertainties, Shettima stressed that, “Nigeria is moving beyond crude oil, focusing on agriculture, minerals and manufacturing. I believe Colombia shares this determination to break free from tariff barriers and expand its economy.”
He stressed collaboration in key sectors: “In agriculture, we share strengths in cocoa, coffee and tropical fruits. Nigeria leads in oil and gas; Colombia holds potential in coal and renewables. Together, we can boost manufacturing, build capacity and attract investments that secure jobs and prosperity.”
Shettima outlined three priorities: “Monitor global trade policies, diversify exports and create an investor-friendly environment – this will turn shifting tides into shared prosperity.”
Vice President of Colombia, Márquez, had described Nigeria as a strategic market for her country. “Colombia currently exports leather products to Nigeria and we seek to explore renewable energy partnerships and enhance higher education links between our youth,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of social development cooperation, saying, “we will work together for social justice, peace and security for our people.”
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted the historic ties between the two nations forged during the slave trade era and called for strengthening their economic and diplomatic relations.
The forum showcased Nigeria’s investment potential, with officials detailing abundant natural resources, a large consumer market and ongoing reforms to boost trade and investment under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Senior Nigerian officials at the meeting included Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Coordinating Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Trade Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Women Affairs Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
