Nigeria Committed to Strengthening Trade Relations with Colombia – Tinubu
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger international partnerships and aligning its foreign policy with evolving global trends in trade, politics, and culture.
Speaking while receiving Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, and her delegation at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu noted that global economic volatility and shifting international policies demand the development of new strategic partnerships for shared prosperity.
The President assured the visiting team of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials that Nigeria will replicate agreements previously signed with Brazil on aviation and consular services in its dealings 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,” Tinubu stated.
The President also encouraged Colombian businesses to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as well as agriculture, emphasizing that Nigeria’s youthful and growing population offers a vast market and a skilled workforce to support investments.
Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted that the visit rekindles ancestral ties disrupted by slavery and colonialism and positions both nations for renewed collaboration based on political and cultural similarities.
In her remarks, Vice President Márquez expressed delight in leading the Colombian delegation to Africa, describing the visit as historic. She identified key areas for bilateral cooperation, including aviation, visa facilitation, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade. She also emphasized shared cultural heritage and committed to advancing social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity in the partnership.
“We have met with business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” Márquez said, adding that Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its influence within the African Union will strengthen ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Also present at the meeting were 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.
