Nigeria, Colombia in talks to begin direct flights

Francia Marquez, Vice-President of Colombia, says a meeting was held with Nigerian aviation stakeholders over the commencement of direct flights as part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, on Monday, Marquez announced during a visit to the state house in Abuja, where she was received by President Bola Tinubu.

The meeting comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations signed by both governments.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during the Nigeria-Colombia bilateral meeting and business forum held in Abuja, and was signed by Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, and Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombia’s deputy minister for multilateral affairs.

Speaking during the meeting, Marquez said aviation was one of several areas identified for strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

She noted that her visit marks the beginning of a long-term relationship built on substantial cultural similarity and heritage.

“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 assured that relations with Nigeria would benefit both countries, particularly in areas such as social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.

Also speaking, Tinubu assured the delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials from the South American country that Nigeria will replicate the agreements signed with Brazil on aviation and consular issues with Colombia.

The president said the outcomes of all bilateral meetings and the agreements signed under the supervision of Vice-President Kashim Shettima will be addressed promptly.

“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.”

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff; Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade, and investment; and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of women affairs and social development, were present at the meeting.