Tinubu Pledges Swift Action On Nigeria–Colombia Agreements

President Bola Tinubu has pledged speedy implementation of bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Colombia in line with his administration’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships.

Receiving Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said Nigeria would replicate agreements previously signed with Brazil in aviation and consular services with the South American nation.

“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.

Tinubu urged Colombian business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and agriculture, stressing that the country’s youthful population offers both a growing market and a skilled workforce to drive investments.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led Nigeria’s delegation in earlier bilateral meetings, said the visit would rekindle ancestral ties disrupted by slavery and colonialism while positioning both countries for stronger political, cultural, and economic collaboration.

Márquez identified areas of possible cooperation to include aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade.

She also confirmed talks with aviation stakeholders on the need for direct flights between Nigeria and Colombia.

“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.

Marquez said her visit will kick-start a long-lasting relationship built on substantial cultural similarity and heritage.

She assured that relations with Nigeria would benefit both countries, particularly in areas such as social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.

“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” the Vice President added.

Marquez added that Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s role in restoration and reparation will enhance relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting had in attendance the 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.