Nigeria Calls for Stronger Africa–Latin America Alliance at CELAC Forum in Colombia

Nigeria has called for deeper economic, cultural, and strategic collaboration between Africa and Latin America at the CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum held in Bogotá.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the forum as a critical platform for strengthening cooperation among Global South nations amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.

Tuggar commended Gustavo Petro for convening the meeting at a pivotal moment in global affairs, noting that ongoing global conflicts continue to have far-reaching consequences for developing countries.

He urged participating nations to work collectively to promote stability and mitigate shared risks, while advocating for a more unified and influential Global South voice in the evolving global order.

Highlighting Nigeria’s priorities, the minister identified key areas for collaboration, including education, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, and technology. He stressed the need for inclusiveness in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, warning that developing regions must not be left behind.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, Tuggar referenced the country’s Technical Aid Corps programme, which has supported Caribbean nations since 1987, and expressed readiness to expand partnerships across trade, healthcare, culture, and climate resilience.

On economic prospects, he noted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest market, pointing to opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, as well as ongoing efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency through increased fertiliser production.

He also underscored the importance of cultural exchange and the creative industry in strengthening ties, calling for enhanced collaboration in arts, education, digital innovation, and intellectual property development.

Addressing global challenges, Tuggar called for joint action on climate change, healthcare access, and technology transfer, while reiterating Nigeria’s stance on tackling illicit financial flows and advancing discussions on historical reparations linked to slavery and colonialism.

The CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum, held from March 20 to 21, 2026, brought together leaders from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural sectors.