President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening international partnerships, assuring Colombia of the swift implementation of all bilateral agreements reached between both countries.
Speaking while receiving the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, and her delegation of senior officials and business leaders at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, President Tinubu said Nigeria is prepared to replicate its recent agreements with Brazil on aviation and consular issues with Colombia.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said the President noted that global economic volatility and shifting international policies demand stronger alliances, emphasizing that Nigeria’s youthful population and vast natural resources provide opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. He encouraged Colombian businesses to explore Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as well as agriculture.
“The Vice President and his team have done the job. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be strengthened,” President Tinubu said, directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accelerate implementation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima described the visit as a rekindling of historical ties disrupted by slavery and colonialism, adding that shared cultural and political values would bolster economic cooperation.
Colombian Vice President Márquez expressed delight at leading the first high-level visit to Nigeria, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in aviation, trade, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and social justice initiatives. She emphasized that her country values Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s work on reparation and restoration.
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.
