Politics

Nigeria and Colombia Sign Historic MoU to Strengthen Political, Trade, and Cultural Relations.

Nigeria and Colombia have entered a significant new chapter in their diplomatic history with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations. The MoU was signed on September 1, 2025, during a Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, formalized the agreement.

Political Engagement and Visa Facilitation

The agreement establishes a framework for regular political dialogue between the two nations. It also promises easier visa processes for Colombian diplomats seeking entry into Nigeria.

Economic Cooperation and Trade Expansion

Vice President Kashim Shettima encouraged the private sectors of both countries to turn their mutual potential into tangible economic gains. He emphasized that Nigeria is diversifying its economy beyond oil into agriculture, manufacturing, and minerals, creating a strategic partnership opportunity with Colombia. Areas highlighted for cooperation include cocoa, coffee, tropical fruits, oil and gas, coal and renewable energy, textiles, and machinery.

Cultural and Creative Industry Collaboration

Vice President Shettima described culture as a bridge to innovation, development, and mutual prosperity. He called for partnerships in film, music, education, and digital innovation to benefit the youth of both countries.

Colombia’s Strategic Commitment

Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez declared Nigeria a strategic market, highlighting existing trade in leather products and expressing interest in expanding into renewable energy, higher education, and technology.

She pledged that both countries would collaborate for social development, justice, peace, and security.

Historical Ties and Investment Potential

Ambassador Tuggar invoked the shared history that links Nigeria and Colombia, rooted in transatlantic migration and the slave trade, calling the MoU an opportunity to enhance that bond.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission showcased investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, mining, technology, and the creative industry.

Swift Implementation and Future Partnerships

President Bola Tinubu pledged to swiftly implement all agreements signed with Colombia. He noted Nigeria’s interest in replicating its air services agreement with Brazil by initiating similar arrangements with Colombia.

Broader Security and Economic Cooperation

Foreign Minister Tuggar stressed the alignment of this partnership with Nigeria’s eight-point economic agenda. He emphasised agriculture, energy transition, security cooperation, and infrastructure as areas of mutual interest.

Colombia’s Deputy Minister Jassir spoke about the importance of diversifying partnerships away from traditional alliances in the Global North.

This historic MoU marks a deepening of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Colombia. It paves the way for sustained political dialogue, increased trade in agriculture, technology, and energy, and a blossoming of cultural and creative partnerships. Implementation plans, including in air transport and visa facilitation, promise to turn the agreement into real progress. Both nations appear poised to transform shared resources, heritage, and aspirations into concrete, mutual benefits.