President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez to Abuja, promising rapid implementation of agreements between both countries. The visitfocused on aviation, consular matters, cultural exchanges, and trade partnerships.

Tinubu praised the progress made during meetings led by Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and stressed that all agreements will receive “speedy attention.” He noted that Nigeria will mirror the aviation and diplomatic arrangements previously signed with Brazil, this time with Colombia.

“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced,” Tinubu said. “I support every aspect that you have agreed on.”

Francia Márquez expressed deep pride in visiting Nigeria, describing it as a return to ancestral roots. Standing as Colombia’s first Black Vice President, she underscored the cultural and historical ties between Africa and South America.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASEPRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES COLOMBIA OF SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL BILATERAL AGREEMENTSPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening international partnerships and aligning its foreign relations with evolving global…pic.twitter.com/YuF1mdZPrd

“As the first Black Vice President of Colombia, I am extremely delighted to lead this visit to the land of our ancestors,” she said. “Our ancestors were taken away from Africa centuries ago.”

She emphasized that the renewed connection would spark long-term collaboration, rooted in shared history and heritage. Márquez also noted her commitment toadvancing gender equality, inclusivity, and social justice within the framework of the partnership.

Trade and investment formed a central part of the discussions. Tinubu urged Colombian business leaders to explore Nigeria’s oil, gas, and agriculture sectors, highlighting the nation’s youthful population as both a large market and a skilled workforce.

Márquez revealed that Colombia is keen to establish direct flights between both countries, a move that would boost tourism, business, and cultural exchange. “We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she confirmed.

Both delegations agreed that stronger aviation ties will not only ease travel but also encourage deeper economic and political cooperation.

Vice President Shettima emphasized the symbolicimportance of the visit, calling it a step toward reconnecting bonds broken by slavery and colonialism. He described Nigeria and Colombia as nations with shared political and cultural values, making them natural partners in development.

Márquez added that Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, alongside the African Union’s focus on reparation and restoration, would further strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

The landmark visit concluded with optimism on both sides. Both nations committed to building a long-lasting partnership anchored in cultural heritage, trade opportunities, and mutual prosperity.