September 2, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and aligning its foreign policy with evolving global trends in trade, politics, and culture.
The President gave the assurance on Monday while receiving Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, and her delegation at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu noted that global economic volatility and shifting international policies make it imperative for nations to forge new alliances for shared prosperity. He pledged that Nigeria would replicate with Colombia the bilateral agreements already signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters.
“All agreements reached under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima will be promptly implemented,” Tinubu said, stressing that enhanced relations with Colombia would open fresh opportunities for cooperation.
The President urged Colombian business leaders to explore Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, agriculture, and other investment opportunities, noting that the country’s large and youthful population offers both a growing market and a skilled workforce.
He added: “Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate that.”
Vice President Shettima, who earlier led Nigeria’s delegation to the bilateral talks, said the Colombian visit rekindles ancestral connections disrupted by slavery and colonialism and would strengthen cultural and political bonds while fostering economic collaboration.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
