Nigeria and Colombia are working towards establishing direct flight connections, following high-level talks in Abuja. The initiative was announced by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez during her official visit to Nigeria, aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. It builds on a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations between both countries.
On September 1, 2025, Márquez met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, where she stressed that aviation would play a key role in strengthening ties. “We have had a meeting with business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she said, noting mutual benefits in areas such as social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
Tinubu assured the delegation that Nigeria would replicate its recent Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, signed in August 2025, to Colombia. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fast-track aviation and consular agreements to deepen relations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who supervised the bilateral meetings, urged private sector players to seize opportunities in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and the creative economy. He emphasized that the partnership should translate into tangible economic gains.
Nigeria’s Trade Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate unification as measures making Nigeria a more attractive investment hub. Colombia, on its part, views Nigeria as a gateway to Africa, with interests in renewable energy, education, and technology.
Currently, Nigeria operates direct flights to 30 countries, with Brazil soon to be added. The planned connection with Colombia is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s role as a key aviation hub linking Africa and Latin America.
Source: https://www.nigerianeye.com/
