Nigeria, Cuba strengthen ties with focus on healthcare, trade, education

By Kunle Sanni

Nigeria and Cuba have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, with a renewed focus on healthcare, education, and trade. This comes as both nations mark 50 years of formal diplomatic relations, which began in 1974.

During a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Cuba as a “sacred land where every progressive will identify with,” acknowledging the Caribbean nation’s significant role in Africa’s liberation movements.

Shettima highlighted the deep cultural and ancestral connections between Nigeria and Cuba, noting that a significant percentage of Cuba’s population has African roots, with many tracing their lineage to Nigeria.

“About seventy percent of Cuban Africans are from Nigeria. For us, Cuba is a sacred land where every progressive African identifies with,” the Vice President said.

He also commended Cuba’s resilience and unwavering support for Africa, particularly during the anti-apartheid struggles in Southern Africa.

Discussions between Nigerian and Cuban officials focused on expanding partnerships, particularly in the healthcare sector, with Nigeria pledging support for vaccine development initiatives.

“Our hearts and souls are with you. No matter how long the night is, it will give way to the light of dawn. We will support you in whatever way we can, especially in strengthening our partnership in healthcare and vaccination programmes,” Shettima assured the Cuban delegation.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who led the Cuban delegation alongside Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero, reflected on the historical ties between both nations.