The federal government of Nigeria has advocated for a stronger alliance between Africa and Latin America, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, urging deeper economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation at the CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum in Bogotá, Colombia.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuggar described the forum as a pivotal moment for countries of the Global South to forge a united front amid rising global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
He commended Colombian President Gustavo Petro for convening the high-level meeting, noting that ongoing global conflicts—regardless of where they occur—have far-reaching consequences for developing nations.
“We live in extraordinary times,” Tuggar said, stressing the need for collective responsibility among nations to mitigate risks and promote global stability.
The minister emphasised that Africa and Latin America must work together to redefine their roles in what he described as a fragmented and unequal international system. He called for a coordinated voice among Global South nations to demand fairer global structures and equitable partnerships.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic priorities, Tuggar identified education, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, and technology as key sectors for collaboration. He underscored the importance of inclusion in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, warning that both regions must not be sidelined in future global innovations.
On economic prospects, Tuggar pointed to Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest market, outlining investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing. He revealed that the country is intensifying efforts toward food self-sufficiency, with fertiliser production projected to reach 6.5 million tonnes this year.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps programme, which has deployed skilled professionals to Caribbean countries since 1987. He pledged to expand partnerships with member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States across trade, healthcare, culture, and climate resilience.
In addition, Tuggar highlighted the role of culture and creative industries in bridging ties between both regions, advocating increased collaboration in arts, education, and digital innovation.
Addressing broader global challenges, he called for joint action on climate change, improved healthcare access, and enhanced technology transfer to developing nations. He also reiterated Nigeria’s stance on the repatriation of illicit financial flows and renewed calls for historical reparations tied to slavery and colonialism.
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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 fronts.
In his closing remarks, Tuggar urged participating countries to seize the opportunity to reshape interregional relations and unlock shared prosperity through sustained collaboration.
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