Nigeria and Colombia are in advanced talks to establish direct flight connections as part of efforts to deepen bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic ties.
The discussions gained momentum on Monday, during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Márquez, who led a delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials, described aviation as a central pillar in strengthening relations.
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“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she said.
“She also underscored shared historical connections, calling Nigeria “the land of our ancestors,” and emphasized the importance of partnerships rooted in social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
President Tinubu assured the Colombian delegation that Nigeria is ready to fast-track agreements to make the initiative a reality.
“Specifically, the aviation agreement we signed with Brazil can be easily replicated with Colombia, and our diplomatic relations strengthened. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fast-track this process,” Tinubu stated.
The move follows the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) Nigeria signed with Brazil in August 2025, which enabled Nigerian carrier Air Peace to announce direct flights to Brasília starting later this year.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who supervised the Nigeria-Colombia bilateral forum, urged the private sector to seize the opportunity.
“The private sectors of our two nations must seize these opportunities and turn them into tangible economic gains. We cannot remain dependent on narrow exports,” he said.
