Photo: Vice President of Colombia, Francia Marquez
By Didimoko A. Didimoko with agency report
Abuja played host to high-level diplomacy on Saturday as the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, arrived in Nigeria for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
Márquez, who was accompanied by her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where she was received by senior Nigerian government officials.
Among those present to welcome her were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure; and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar.
The visit is widely regarded as a new phase in the diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Colombia, two countries that, though geographically distant, share aspirations in trade, agriculture, energy, security, and education.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria’s Vice President on Media and Communications, discussions during the visit will be broad-based, covering governance reforms, women empowerment, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The Colombian delegation includes cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and private sector leaders who are scheduled to meet their Nigerian counterparts in a series of engagements. A major outcome of the visit is expected to be the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas such as aviation, trade, agriculture, manufacturing, culture, and women’s development.
Other activities lined up include a plenary session between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Vice President Márquez, the Nigeria–Colombia Business Forum, bilateral government meetings, and private sector roundtables hosted by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
A special summit on Artificial Intelligence will also feature in the programme, reflecting the growing role of technology in global partnerships.
Diplomatic observers note that the timing of Márquez’s visit is significant, coming at a period when Nigeria is working to expand its international partnerships beyond traditional allies, while Colombia is seeking stronger engagement with Africa. Both countries face similar challenges in security and development and are looking to build on shared strengths in agriculture, trade, and human capital development.
Over the next three days, Abuja will be the focal point of Nigeria–Colombia relations as both countries explore new opportunities to advance cooperation. By the conclusion of the visit, expectations are high that the agreements reached will not only consolidate political goodwill but also translate into tangible benefits for citizens of both nations.
