Bogotá | Abuja | Embrace of Heritage and Partnership

Nigeria–Colombia Diplomatic Boost

From Bogotá to Abuja: A Historic Embrace of Heritage and Partnership

President Tinubu hosted Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez in Abuja, signing multiple agreements to deepen ties in aviation, diplomacy, and trade. Márquez, the first Black VP of Colombia, called the visit a reconnection with ancestral roots.

In a moment rich with symbolism and strategic promise, President Bola Tinubu welcomed Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez to Abuja, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach to Latin America. The visit wasn’t just ceremonial, it was transformative. Multiple bilateral agreements were signed, spanning aviation, trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, signaling a new era of cooperation between the two nations.

Francia Márquez, Colombia’s first Black Vice President, stood on Nigerian soil with palpable emotion. “Our ancestors were taken away from Africa centuries ago,” she declared, describing the visit as a profound reconnection with her roots. Her presence in Nigeria was more than political, it was ancestral, spiritual, and deeply personal. For Márquez, this was not just a diplomatic mission; it was a homecoming.

President Tinubu, flanked by Vice President Kashim Shettima and key ministers, pledged swift implementation of the agreements. He emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding economy offer fertile ground for investment, particularly in aviation and agriculture. Tinubu also noted that the agreements mirror those previously signed with Brazil, suggesting a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Latin America.

Among the highlights was a memorandum of understanding on political consultations, signed by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jassir. This MoU paves the way for streamlined diplomatic engagement and easier visa access for Colombian officials.

The visit also sparked discussions about direct flights between Nigeria and Colombia, a move that could revolutionize connectivity between Africa and South America. Márquez met with aviation stakeholders to explore the feasibility of such routes, underscoring the practical ambitions behind the ceremonial warmth.

Beyond economics and logistics, the encounter was steeped in cultural resonance. Márquez spoke passionately about social justice, gender equality, and the need for inclusive development. Her words echoed through the halls of the Presidential Villa, reminding all present that diplomacy is not just about deals, it’s about dignity, history, and shared humanity.

As the Colombian delegation departed Abuja, they left behind more than signed documents. They left a renewed sense of kinship, a blueprint for collaboration, and a powerful reminder that the ties between Africa and its diaspora are not just historical, they are alive, evolving, and ready to shape the future.