Colombian Vice-President Francia Márquez says discussions have been held with Nigerian aviation stakeholders on the launch of direct flights between both countries to strengthen bilateral relations.
She made the announcement on Monday during a visit to the State House in Abuja, where she was received by President Bola Tinubu, according to the presidential adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding on political consultations between Nigeria and Colombia at a bilateral meeting and business forum in Abuja.
The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s deputy minister for multilateral affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.
Speaking at the meeting, Márquez said aviation was among several sectors identified for deepening ties between Nigeria and Colombia.
She added that her visit signaled the start of a long-term partnership anchored on shared cultural heritage and similarities between the two nations.
“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” Marquez said.
The vice-president expressed confidence that closer ties with Nigeria would yield mutual benefits, especially in advancing social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu assured the Colombian delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials that Nigeria would extend to their country the aviation and consular agreements recently concluded with Brazil.
He added that the outcomes of all bilateral meetings, along with the agreements signed under the supervision of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, would be acted upon without delay.
“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” he 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.”
