By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Nigeria has intensified calls for stronger economic, cultural, and strategic partnerships between Africa and Latin America, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, addressed leaders at the CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum in Bogotá.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuggar described the forum as a vital platform for strengthening cooperation among Global South nations amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. He commended Colombian President Gustavo Petro for convening the meeting at a critical moment in global affairs.
The Minister warned that global conflicts have far-reaching consequences for developing countries and urged participating nations to work collectively to promote stability and mitigate shared risks. He emphasised the need for Africa and Latin America to redefine their roles in an increasingly fragmented global system, advocating for a more unified and influential Global South voice.
Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s priorities for collaboration, highlighting sectors such as education, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, and technology. He stressed the importance of inclusion in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, warning that developing regions must not be left behind in the evolving digital landscape.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, he referenced the country’s long-standing Technical Aid Corps programme, which has supported Caribbean nations since 1987, and expressed readiness to expand partnerships across trade, health, culture, and climate resilience.
On economic prospects, the Minister pointed to Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest market, noting opportunities for investment in agriculture and agro-processing, alongside ongoing efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency through increased fertilizer production.
He also highlighted the role of cultural exchange and creative industries in strengthening interregional ties, calling for deeper collaboration in arts, education, digital innovation, and intellectual property development.
Addressing global challenges, Tuggar urged joint action on climate change, healthcare access, and technology transfer, while reiterating Nigeria’s stance on curbing illicit financial flows and advancing conversations around historical reparations linked to slavery and colonialism.
The Minister concluded by urging leaders to leverage the forum as an opportunity to reshape Africa–Latin America relations and unlock shared economic potential.
The CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum, held from March 20 to 21, 2026, brought together leaders from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural sectors.
