The initiative, revealed by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez during her official visit to Nigeria, aims to facilitate easier travel, boost trade, and foster cultural exchanges between the two nations, building on a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations.  

The discussions gained momentum on September 1, 2025, when Márquez met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. 

Accompanied by a delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials, the Colombian vice president highlighted aviation as a key pillar for strengthening ties. 

“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” Márquez stated, emphasizing the mutual benefits in areas like social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.  

She described the visit as a return to “the land of our ancestors,” underscoring shared historical connections disrupted by the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, which now pave the way for renewed partnerships.  

President Tinubu assured the delegation that Nigeria would replicate its recent Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil—signed in August 2025—to Colombia, expediting aviation and consular agreements to enhance diplomatic relations. 

“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 said.  

The BASA with Brazil, formalized during Tinubu’s state visit to Brasília, has already paved the way for direct flights by Nigerian carrier Air Peace, set to commence in late 2025, reducing travel times and opening avenues for trade, tourism, and investment.  

The MoU on political consultations, signed on the same day by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, formalizes regular dialogues and streamlined visa processes for diplomats.  

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who supervised the bilateral meetings and business forum, urged private sector involvement to transform potential into economic gains. 

“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,” Shettima remarked, highlighting synergies in agriculture (cocoa, coffee, tropical fruits), energy (oil, gas, renewables), manufacturing, and the creative economy.  

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, pointed to recent reforms under the Tinubu administration—including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—as making the country a more attractive investment hub and Africa’s fintech powerhouse. 

Colombia, seeking to diversify beyond traditional partners, views Nigeria as a gateway to Africa, with interests in renewable energy, higher education, and technology.  

Jassir emphasized Colombia’s strategic position in South America and the need for frequent political engagement to explore these opportunities.

The push for direct flights aligns with broader efforts to connect Africa’s largest economy with Latin America’s vibrant markets. 

Currently, Nigeria operates direct flights to 30 countries, with Brazil soon to be added, enhancing its role as a West African aviation hub.