Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Cuba.
He said the decades-long relationship between both nations will be strengthened through parliamentary diplomacy and strategic cooperation.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, during a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, Kalu described Nigeria–Cuba relations as rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation among developing nations.
He said: “Let me reaffirm the nation’s commitment to strengthening our relationship with Cuba. We enjoy the relationship we have shared with Cuba for a very long time, and that goes with acknowledging the long-standing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Cuba, which dates back several decades. It didn’t start today, and it isn’t going to end anytime soon. In fact, we are going to make sure that it is stronger.
“As you know, and have rightly pointed out, Nigeria and Cuba share a history that is rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation among developing nations. I hope that this visit will further deepen the friendship between our two countries.
“Nigeria and Cuba may be separated by geography, but shared aspirations unite us in the pursuit of development, human dignity, and international cooperation. I hope we seize this opportunity to build a stronger partnership that delivers tangible benefits to our peoples.”
Kalu welcomed the Cuban Parliament’s invitation conveyed through the ambassador, proposing stronger engagement between the Nigerian National Assembly and Cuba’s legislative institutions.
“We have always had it in mind to strengthen the Cuba–Nigeria Friendship Group that we have in the House. I’m sure after this meeting we are going to take it a little further than it has been,” he said.
On trade matters, Kalu admitted that the current trade volume between both countries remains modest but said there is “room for growth” under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He positioned Nigeria as Cuba’s gateway to Africa, given its population of about 230 million and status as the continent’s largest economy, while describing Cuba as a gateway into Latin America and the Caribbean markets.
The Deputy Speaker also lauded Cuba’s global reputation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
He identified opportunities for joint pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine technology transfer, training of Nigerian doctors, scholarships for students, and university collaborations in STEM and biotechnology.
In agriculture, Kalu pointed to Cuba’s expertise in organic and sustainable farming, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices as areas for cooperation.
He also highlighted tourism and cultural diplomacy as key sectors that could strengthen bilateral ties.
Addressing Cuba’s current energy challenges, as presented by the ambassador, Kalu assured that the House would act swiftly through the Cuba–Nigeria Friendship Group and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
He also acknowledged an invitation to an international colloquium marking the centenary of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, adding that the House would consider sending a delegation.
Earlier, Ambassador Palmero called for a more active Cuba–Nigeria Friendship Group to deepen legislative collaboration between both parliaments.
She noted that about three million Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent live in Cuba and described them as an important bridge between both countries.
She also highlighted ongoing cooperation in agriculture and health, including vaccine production initiatives, and expressed Cuba’s readiness to expand partnerships with Nigeria’s private sector and chambers of commerce.
Please follow and like us: