TUE SEPT 02 2025-theGBJournal| The visiting Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Mrs. Francia Márquez, said her team was in Nigeria to reaffirm bilateral relations, noting that the country remains a strategic market for Colombia.
She noted that Colombia is currently exporting to Nigeria, particularly in the field of leather, adding that she seeks to explore new paths with Nigeria in renewable energy.
She added that similarly, “we can make progress in higher education” by connecting Colombian and Nigerian youths.
According to her, the business meeting in Nigeria will allow Nigeria to explore cooperation opportunities and work together in the fields of technology and services for both countries’ people.
She thanked the Nigerian government for the hospitality, assuring, “We will work together for social development, social justice, peace, and security for our people.”
Also, the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombia, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, said it is very important for Colombia to diversify its relationship with the world, especially with Nigeria.
For the Colombian side, he stressed the importance of exploring its relations with Nigeria, maintaining that Nigeria remains the best gateway to reinforce bilateral cooperation with Africa, expressing optimism that the Nigerian side will explore Colombia’s strategic position in South America.
On the bilateral front, he said two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were of interest to Colombia: to have “very frequent political dialogue” with Nigeria and visa approvals for its diplomats so it will be easier for its diplomats to visit Nigeria.
Presenting investment opportunities in Nigeria, the Deputy Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Mr. Emmanuel Longza listed Nigeria’s untapped treasures to include arable lands, solid minerals, crude oil, the creative and art industry, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.
In terms of agriculture, he said Nigeria has 34 million hectares of arable land, with only 46% currently cultivated, implying there is a huge opportunity for agricultural production across the country.
He added that there are industrial parks across Nigeria designed to boost export-oriented industries while attracting businesses.
On why Colombia matters to Nigeria, he said both countries can collaborate on agricultural opportunities and energy transition, among others.
Delivering the plenary address on Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Landscape (Impact, Achievements, and Opportunities), Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said President Bola Tinubu has taken bold structural steps to correct long-standing macroeconomic distortions through the removal of the petroleum subsidy, exchange rate unification, and fiscal tightening to restore credibility.
She added that Nigeria has emerged as the continent’s fintech powerhouse with top unicorns domiciled in the country.
“As a result, today we are proud to serve as co-champions of digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” she added.
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