The Vice-President of Colombia, Francia Marquez, has disclosed that a meeting was held with Nigerian aviation stakeholders regarding the start of direct flights, as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties between both nations.
In a statement released Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Marquez made the announcement during her visit to the State House in Abuja, where she was received by President Bola Tinubu.
The development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations by both governments. The agreement, formalised during the Nigeria-Colombia bilateral meeting and business forum in Abuja, was signed by Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs.
Speaking at the event, Marquez highlighted aviation as one of the key areas for strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and Colombia. She added that her visit symbolises the beginning of a long-term relationship built on shared cultural similarities and heritage.
“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” Marquez said.
She further assured that ties with Nigeria would be mutually beneficial, particularly in advancing social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, pledged that Nigeria would extend to Colombia the same agreements it had signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters. He assured the visiting delegation—comprising senior government, business, and diplomatic officials—that all agreements reached under the supervision of Vice-President Kashim Shettima would be swiftly implemented.
“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
Those present at the meeting included Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.