Colombia to Open Embassy in Nigeria as President-Elect Unveils Major Africa Plan

(Abelardo de la Espriella. Photo by Nation News)

Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia’s President-elect, has announced plans to open an embassy in Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand engagement with Africa.

De la Espriella said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following his national address ahead of his inauguration on August 7.

He said the embassy would promote stronger trade, investment and diplomatic cooperation between Colombia and Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria occupies a strategic position in Colombia’s renewed engagement with Africa given its economic importance on the continent.

The president-elect noted that Colombia currently maintains diplomatic ties with Nigeria through its Honorary High Consul, Mrs Maricel Romero, whom he credited with advancing commercial and cultural relations between the two countries.

He said establishing a resident embassy would provide a permanent diplomatic presence and open up opportunities for deeper collaboration.

Adding that the planned mission forms part of a broader review of Colombia’s diplomatic network aimed at improving efficiency and optimising the use of resources.

He stated that his administration would determine whether all currently open embassies should remain as they are, explaining that while some diplomatic missions might be merged or handled through concurrent accreditation, establishing an embassy in Nigeria remains a priority.

De la Espriella also announced plans to carry out a technical audit of Colombia’s diplomatic missions within the first 100 days of his administration, saying the audit would assess the effectiveness and contribution of each mission to the country’s foreign policy objectives and national interests.

The president-elect expressed optimism that the planned embassy would strengthen relations between Colombia and Nigeria and foster greater economic, cultural and strategic cooperation.