Nigeria and Colombia, on Monday, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, deepening their diplomatic and economic cooperation.The
The agreement, signed at the Nigeria–Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum in Abuja, was formalised by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.Vice
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hosted the Colombian delegation at the Presidential Villa, urged both nations to move beyond rhetoric and transform their vast potential into real economic growth, led by the private sector.
“The private sectors of our two nations must seize these opportunities and turn them into tangible economic gains. We cannot remain dependent on narrow exports. Nigeria is diversifying into agriculture, minerals, and manufacturing, and we see Colombia as a natural partner”, he said.Shettima
Shettima stressed that Nigeria is repositioning its agriculture sector from subsistence to large-scale agribusiness, investing in technologies and building supply chains.The
The VP highlighted common ground in cocoa, coffee, tropical fruits, textiles, and energy, where both countries can collaborate for mutual benefit.Colombian
Colombian Vice President, Francia Márquez, who led her country’s delegation of government and business leaders, described Nigeria as a strategic market and cultural ally. “We are here to reaffirm our ties with the land of our ancestors. Colombia seeks stronger partnerships in renewable energy, higher education, and cultural exchange. Together, we can promote social justice, peace, and prosperity”, Márquez said.The
The meeting also spotlighted trade and investment opportunities. Nigeria’s Investment Promotion Commission presented the country’s vast potential — from 34 million hectares of arable land to untapped mineral resources, a booming creative industry, and Africa’s largest digital economy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said recent reforms under President Bola Tinubu — including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification — have positioned Nigeria as a stronger investment destination and a fintech hub on the continent.
For Colombia, Jassir emphasised the importance of frequent political dialogue and easier visa access for diplomats to strengthen engagement with Africa’s largest economy.
Both governments pledged to expand cooperation in agriculture, hydrocarbons, manufacturing, and culture, with follow-up meetings expected to translate the agreements into action.
