Nigeria and Colombia have deepened ties with a new MoU on political consultations and diplomatic cooperation.
Leaders from both nations urged stronger private sector partnerships to drive trade, agriculture, and economic growth.
Nigeria and Colombia have formalized a new phase in their diplomatic relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations. The agreement, described as historic, was sealed on Monday during the Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir. According to Jassir, the pact establishes a framework for regular political dialogue with Nigeria and simplifies visa processes for Colombian diplomats, easing official visits between both nations.
During the plenary session of the business forum, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, called on both countries to harness their vast resources and translate them into measurable economic benefits. He urged the private sectors of Nigeria and Colombia to take the lead in driving partnerships, expanding opportunities, and tackling mutual challenges.
Shettima highlighted that global uncertainties and shifting trade dynamics underscore the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy. He reiterated that the country has already begun broadening its export base beyond crude oil, with agriculture, solid minerals, and manufactured goods now key focus areas.
The Vice President further explained that Nigeria is determined to elevate agriculture from subsistence farming to large-scale agribusiness while empowering smallholder farmers to evolve into major global players.
On her part, Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, affirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria. She noted that Nigeria remains a vital partner and a strategic market for Colombia, stressing that the visit was aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation.
