By Peter Omopo | Abuja | September 21, 2025
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigeria and Cuba to deepen bilateral cooperation in healthcare, trade, and cultural exchange through strengthened parliamentary diplomacy.
Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, made the call in Abuja on Sunday while receiving a Cuban parliamentary delegation led by Fernando Llort, a member of the National Assembly of the People’s Power and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People.
He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy should go beyond dialogue to produce tangible outcomes such as signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), funded programmes, and ratified treaties.
“Our tools are laws, oversight, and convening power,” Abbas said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu. “The Nigeria–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a platform to fast-track frameworks for medical exchanges, academic recognition, joint research, and targeted investments.”
Highlighting health and trade as priority areas, the Speaker pointed to Cuba’s global reputation in medical training and biotechnology, noting its Abdala COVID-19 vaccine as an example of innovation that could benefit Nigeria. He said partnerships in joint training, technology transfer, and vaccine production would strengthen Nigeria’s health systems while creating jobs and enhancing self-sufficiency.
Abbas also lamented the low level of bilateral trade, citing UN data that placed Nigeria’s imports from Cuba at just US$2,380 in 2024. He, however, emphasised the cultural affinity between both countries in music, sports, and literature, urging that these ties be translated into opportunities for artisans, agri-entrepreneurs, and creative industries.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities through legislation that enables economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and global dialogue.
