By Peter Omopo
September 1, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has pledged Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Colombia, particularly in aviation, trade, and cultural exchange.
The President made the pledge on Monday while receiving Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and her delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu said Nigeria was ready to replicate with Colombia the agreements it recently signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accelerate the implementation of outcomes from the bilateral meetings, which were supervised by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” Tinubu said. “Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced.”
He also encouraged Colombian business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as well as agriculture, highlighting the country’s large, youthful population as both a market and skilled workforce.
Vice President Shettima described Márquez’s visit as one that rekindles ancestral ties disrupted by slavery and colonialism, adding that political and cultural similarities would foster stronger economic collaboration between the two nations.
On her part, Márquez expressed delight at visiting what she called “the land of our ancestors” and highlighted priority areas for cooperation, including aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade.
“We have had a meeting with business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she said, adding that strengthened ties would promote social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity for mutual benefit.
