Accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, and a delegation of cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, Márquez was warmly welcomed by a high-level Nigerian contingent.

The reception included Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory; and Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). 

The visit signals a pivotal moment in Nigeria-Colombia relations, with a focus on fostering cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the visit will prioritize discussions on governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education, security, and women’s empowerment. 

These talks aim to lay the groundwork for a new era of collaboration between the two nations.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

The three-day agenda is packed with high-level engagements designed to deepen bilateral ties:

Bilateral Meetings and Plenary Sessions: Márquez will engage with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and other officials to discuss shared priorities, including governance, security, and sustainable development. 

Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum: The forum will bring together private sector leaders from both countries to explore opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, and energy, fostering trade and investment. 

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Several MoUs are expected to be signed in key areas such as women’s empowerment, trade, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, and culture, paving the way for long-term partnerships. 

Artificial Intelligence Summit: A special summit hosted by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will focus on AI, alongside other high-level business engagements, highlighting innovation as a cornerstone of the partnership. 

Márquez’s visit, part of a broader African tour, underscores Colombia’s commitment to strengthening ties with the continent. 

As Nigeria pushes its Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu, the collaboration promises mutual benefits, from boosting non-oil exports to advancing cultural exchanges and gender equity initiatives. 

With the signing of MoUs and robust business engagements, this visit is set to unlock new opportunities for both nations, cementing a shared vision for progress and prosperity.