President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and aligning foreign relations with evolving global trends in trade, politics, and culture. He made this known on Monday when he received the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, at the State House in Abuja.
The President noted that global economic volatility and shifting international policies made it necessary for nations to build new partnerships for shared prosperity. He assured the Colombian delegation, which included senior government, business, and diplomatic officials, that Nigeria would replicate with Colombia the agreements recently signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters.
Tinubu said all bilateral agreements concluded under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima would receive speedy attention. “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,” he said.
The President urged Colombian business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as well as agriculture, stressing that the country’s youthful and expanding population represents both a viable market and a skilled workforce to support investments.
Vice President Kashim Shettima described Márquez’s visit as a chance to rekindle ancestral connections disrupted by slavery and colonialism, positioning Nigeria and Colombia for a prosperous partnership. He emphasized political and cultural similarities as foundations for healthy economic collaboration.
Vice President Márquez expressed delight in leading the visit, describing it as the beginning of a lasting relationship rooted in shared cultural heritage. “As the first black Vice President of Colombia, I am extremely delighted to lead this visit to the land of our ancestors. Our ancestors were taken away from Africa centuries ago,” she said.
She highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade. She revealed that discussions had already been held with aviation business leaders on establishing direct flights to Colombia. Márquez assured that the partnership would strengthen ties not only between the two countries but also between Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, particularly in the areas of social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
