By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
FRESH MOMENTUM in international diplomacy unfolded in Abuja as Nigeria and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, diplomacy, and culture.
The signing took place during the Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum at the Presidential Villa.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.
The Colombian side explained that the MoU provides for regular political dialogue with Nigeria and eases visa approvals for its diplomats to enhance cooperation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who received Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez and her delegation, pledged that Nigeria would speedily implement all conclusions from the bilateral meetings.
He noted that the aviation and consular agreements Nigeria had earlier signed with Brazil would be replicated with Colombia, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked to fast-track the process.
The President urged Colombian business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and agriculture, stressing that the country’s growing youthful population offers both a strong market and a skilled workforce.
Vice President Kashim Shettima told the plenary session of the Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum that the visit would rekindle ancestral links while positioning both countries for greater prosperity.
He urged private sectors in both nations to transform their shared resources into tangible economic results.
He emphasised Nigeria’s diversification beyond crude oil into agriculture, minerals, and manufacturing, identifying these as areas ripe for collaboration with Colombia.
Shettima said Nigeria is investing in innovative technologies for agriculture, livestock breeding, and supply chain development to scale smallholder farming into larger enterprises.
He pointed to shared strengths in cocoa, coffee, tropical fruits, oil and gas, as well as renewable energy, as sectors where partnerships with Colombia would be mutually beneficial.
Colombian Vice President Márquez, leading a delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials, described Nigeria as a strategic market for Colombia.
She said cooperation would focus on renewable energy, higher education, aviation, and technology.
She added that direct flights between the two countries had been discussed with business leaders and affirmed that cultural exchanges and collaboration in education would reinforce ties.
Márquez said the visit signalled a long-lasting relationship based on shared heritage and values of social justice, inclusivity, and gender equality.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole outlined reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, including petroleum subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and fiscal tightening, which she said had restored credibility to Nigeria’s economy.
She noted that Nigeria had become a continental leader in fintech and now co-champions digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Deputy Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Emmanuel Longza, listed investment opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
He said Nigeria’s vast natural resources, industrial parks, and tax waivers presented major incentives for investors.
Colombia’s Deputy Minister Jaramillo stressed that Nigeria is a gateway for Colombia’s engagement with Africa and highlighted the need to diversify his country’s international partnerships.
He confirmed that regular political dialogue and facilitated visas for diplomats were priorities under the signed agreement.
The meeting was attended by senior Nigerian officials, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy Wale Edun, and Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
