Nigeria, Colombia Ink MoU to Boost Bilateral Relations

Nigeria and Colombia have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation, opening a fresh chapter in their bilateral ties.

The agreement was formalized at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the Nigeria–Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, signed on behalf of their respective governments.

Jassir noted that the MoU would enhance political dialogue and simplify visa approvals for Colombian diplomats traveling to Nigeria.

Speaking at the plenary session of the Business Forum, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged both nations to convert their shared potential into concrete economic benefits through active private sector participation.

He stressed that Nigeria is moving beyond dependence on crude oil, focusing on agriculture, solid minerals, and manufacturing, while highlighting the urgency of adapting to global tariffs and trade dynamics.

Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, who led her country’s delegation, reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria.

She described Nigeria as a strategic market, citing Colombia’s current exports, particularly leather, and outlining interest in renewable energy and higher education collaborations.

Márquez further pledged that Colombia would work with Nigeria to promote social justice, peace, and development.