President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships while ensuring that the nation’s foreign relations reflect emerging global trends in trade, politics, and culture.
The president made this known on Monday when he received the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, at the State House in Abuja.
He explained that the changing global economy and shifting international policies demand fresh partnerships that promote shared prosperity. Tinubu assured the Colombian delegation, made up of senior government officials, business leaders, and diplomats, that Nigeria will extend to Colombia the same agreements it already has with Brazil in areas such as aviation and consular relations.
According to him, all conclusions reached during the bilateral meetings and every agreement signed under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima will be given immediate attention.
“I believe the vice president and his team have done an excellent job. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been expanded. I support every aspect of the agreements reached. Particularly for Colombia, the deal we entered with Brazil can be easily replicated in aviation and diplomatic relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fast track this,” Tinubu said.
The president urged Colombian business leaders to take advantage of investment openings in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as well as agriculture. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful and growing population presents both a large market and a skilled workforce capable of driving long term investment.
Vice President Shettima described the visit as a reconnection of ancestral bonds broken by slavery and colonialism, adding that it sets the stage for a prosperous partnership between both nations. He emphasized the shared political and cultural values that would encourage sustainable economic collaboration.
Francia Márquez, the Colombian vice president, highlighted aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchange, and trade as key areas for stronger relations. “As the first black Vice President of Colombia, I am deeply honored to lead this visit to the land of our ancestors. Centuries ago, many were taken away from Africa. This visit marks the beginning of a lasting relationship rooted in our shared heritage,” she said.
Márquez assured that the partnership will prioritize social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity. She revealed that discussions had already begun with aviation leaders on launching direct flights between Nigeria and Colombia. She added that Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s advocacy for restoration and reparations will further strengthen ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Earlier on Monday, Nigeria and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations during the Nigeria Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum at the State House. The document was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.
Jassir explained that the MoU provides for frequent political dialogue and easier visa approvals for Colombian diplomats visiting Nigeria.
At the business forum, Vice President Shettima urged both nations to turn their vast resources into real economic benefits, driven by the private sectors of both countries. “We must compare our differences and similarities, as well as our resources and potential, to drive trade and investment, improve agriculture, strengthen cultural ties, and exchange ideas for mutual growth,” he said.
Shettima added that Nigeria has already begun diversifying its economy beyond crude oil, focusing on agriculture, minerals, and manufactured goods. He stressed that heavy tariffs on exports in other regions highlight the danger of depending on a narrow economic base. Colombia, he noted, is also determined to broaden its economy beyond traditional limits.
Highlighting agriculture, Shettima said Nigeria is investing in modern farming technologies, livestock breeding, and machinery, while developing strong supply chains for products like fertilizers and pesticides. He noted that Nigeria and Colombia share strengths in cocoa, coffee, and tropical fruits, while energy and manufacturing also present areas for deep collaboration.
He further urged both countries to remain alert to global trade policies, diversify exports, and create a business environment that welcomes foreign investors.
On cultural ties, Shettima said culture remains a bridge for innovation, economic growth, and prosperity. He noted that Nigeria’s creative sector is a powerful driver for youth empowerment and stressed the need for collaboration in education, science, technology, and cultural exchange.
Márquez reiterated that Colombia sees Nigeria as a strategic market. She pointed out that Colombia already exports leather to Nigeria and is eager to expand cooperation into renewable energy, higher education, and technology.
She thanked the Nigerian government for its hospitality and said both nations will work together to promote peace, security, and social development.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recalled that Colombia’s history is closely tied to Nigeria due to the slave trade, noting that the present partnership offers an opportunity to rebuild historical and economic ties.
Jassir stressed that Nigeria remains Colombia’s gateway to Africa, making it an important partner for trade and cooperation.
During the plenary, Nigeria’s Deputy Director at the Investment Promotion Commission, Emmanuel Longza, described Nigeria as a strategic hub with a population of 250 million people, rich natural resources, and attractive investment incentives, including tax waivers. He highlighted opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas, technology, renewable energy, and the creative sector.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the Tinubu administration has introduced bold reforms, such as removing petroleum subsidy and unifying the exchange rate, to stabilize the economy. She also emphasized Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s fintech leader, housing several unicorns, and serving as co champion of digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
