Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez Arrives Abuja on Official Visit

Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Francia Márquez, on Saturday arrived in Abuja for a three-day official visit to Nigeria, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and fostering deeper cooperation between both countries.

Márquez, who was accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where she was warmly received by top Nigerian government officials.

Among those on hand 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 (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure; Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, alongside other senior officials.

Her visit, according to diplomatic sources, is expected to deepen diplomatic and strategic engagements between Nigeria and Colombia, while opening fresh avenues of cooperation in critical sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, education, governance, and security.

The Colombian Vice President is also leading a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, top government functionaries, and business leaders.

They are expected to hold bilateral meetings with their Nigerian counterparts, explore new investment opportunities, and deliberate on frameworks for enhanced collaboration across diverse sectors.

Analysts say the visit marks a significant step in consolidating South-South cooperation and reflects both nations’ commitment to building stronger partnerships that will benefit their peoples.

Márquez’s three-day schedule in Nigeria is expected to include engagements with government officials, business forums, and cultural exchange activities designed to foster mutual understanding between both countries.