President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships and aligning its foreign relations with evolving global trends in trade, politics, and culture. The announcement came during a meeting with the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
President Tinubu emphasized that global economic volatility and shifting international policies necessitate forging new partnerships for shared prosperity. He assured the Colombian delegation, which included senior government, business, and diplomatic officials, that Nigeria would replicate agreements previously signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters in its relations with Colombia.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
He encouraged Colombian business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and agriculture, highlighting the country’s youthful population as a skilled workforce and a growing consumer market.
Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that the visit would rekindle ancestral connections disrupted by slavery and colonialism, positioning both nations for a prosperous partnership, and underscored the political and cultural similarities that could foster healthy economic collaboration.
The Colombian Vice President, Francia Márquez, highlighted areas for strengthening bilateral relations, including aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade. “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 assured that the partnership would benefit both countries, particularly in social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity, and noted plans to establish direct flights between Nigeria and Colombia.
Márquez also emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s efforts in restoration and reparation, which she said will enhance relations 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.
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