Nigeria and Colombia on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening political consultations and expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, and energy.
The agreement was formalized at the Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. It was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.
Speaking at the plenary session, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged both countries to harness their economic potential through private sector-driven trade, investment, and agricultural development.
“The private sectors of our two nations are urged to take advantage of our abundant potential and transform them into tangible economic gains,” Shettima said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President stressed the need for Nigeria to diversify exports beyond crude oil into agriculture, minerals, and manufactured products, while identifying cocoa, coffee, tropical fruits, oil and gas, renewable energy, and manufacturing as key areas for collaboration.
He further called for stronger partnerships in education, technology, and the creative industries, describing culture as a vital bridge for youth empowerment and innovation.
On her part, Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, described Nigeria as a strategic market and reaffirmed her country’s interest in renewable energy, higher education, and technology partnerships.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted the historic ties between the two countries and expressed optimism that the pact would boost cooperation in agriculture, hydrocarbons, and pharmaceuticals.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission also showcased investment opportunities in solid minerals, renewable energy, technology, and Nigeria’s vast arable land, positioning the country as a prime destination for Colombian investors.
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