Nigeria, Colombia plan direct flights to strengthen diplomatic, economic ties

By Kunle Sanni –

Nigeria and Colombia are working towards establishing direct flight connections as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, the Presidency said on Monday.

Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez disclosed this during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Márquez said she had met with Nigerian aviation stakeholders to explore the possibility of nonstop flights between both nations, describing the initiative as a key step in expanding bilateral cooperation.

“We have held discussions with business leaders in the aviation sector on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” Márquez said. “This visit marks the beginning of a long-term partnership built on our shared heritage and cultural similarities.”

The talks followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations at the Nigeria–Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum, where Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, formalized the agreement.

President Tinubu welcomed the initiative and assured the Colombian delegation — comprising senior government, diplomatic, and business officials — that Nigeria would build on the commitments made. He noted that existing agreements with Brazil on aviation and consular matters would serve as a model for Colombia.

“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced,” Tinubu said. “I support every aspect that you have agreed on, and we will address all outcomes promptly.”

Márquez emphasized that the renewed relationship would focus not only on trade and investment but also on advancing social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.