Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing diplomatic relations with Cuba, with a focus on expanding cooperation in healthcare, trade, agriculture, education, tourism and cultural exchange.
Kalu made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, during a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The Deputy Speaker described Nigeria-Cuba relations as being rooted in solidarity, mutual respect and cooperation among developing nations, noting that both countries share a long history of diplomatic engagement that spans several decades.
He said Nigeria and Cuba, despite being geographically distant, are united by common aspirations for development, human dignity and international cooperation, expressing confidence that the ambassador’s visit would further deepen bilateral ties.
Kalu also welcomed an invitation from the Cuban Parliament and pledged to strengthen the existing Cuba-Nigeria Friendship Group in the House of Representatives as a means of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and legislative collaboration between both countries.
Speaking on economic relations, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged that trade volumes between Nigeria and Cuba remain modest but identified significant opportunities for growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. He described Nigeria as a gateway to the African market, citing its population of over 230 million and status as Africa’s largest economy, while noting Cuba’s strategic position as an entry point to Latin American and Caribbean markets.
Kalu highlighted Cuba’s achievements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, proposing collaboration in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production, technology transfer and the training of Nigerian healthcare professionals.
He further identified agriculture as another key area for cooperation, citing Cuba’s expertise in organic farming, sustainable agriculture and climate-smart agricultural practices. According to him, both countries could benefit from joint research initiatives and the exchange of agricultural technologies aimed at improving food security and crop productivity.
The Deputy Speaker also underscored the importance of education and human capital development, praising Cuba’s literacy achievements and medical training system. He suggested the expansion of scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students and stronger partnerships between universities in both countries, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and biotechnology.
On tourism and cultural diplomacy, Kalu said both nations possess unique strengths that could support mutually beneficial partnerships, noting Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry and rich cultural heritage alongside Cuba’s globally recognised tourism sector.
Responding to concerns raised by the Cuban envoy regarding energy challenges facing her country, Kalu assured her that the House of Representatives would engage through the Cuba-Nigeria Friendship Group and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to explore areas of support and cooperation.
He also acknowledged Cuba’s invitation to an international colloquium marking the centenary of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, saying the House would consider sending a delegation to the event.
Earlier, Ambassador Palmero called for a more active Cuba-Nigeria Friendship Group to strengthen legislative engagement between both countries. She noted the historical and cultural connections between Cuba and people of Nigerian descent, while highlighting ongoing collaborations in agriculture, healthcare and commerce.
The ambassador disclosed that Cuba is pursuing agreements with Nigerian institutions in agriculture and health, including initiatives on local vaccine production, and reaffirmed her country’s readiness to deepen partnerships with both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.
She added that chambers of commerce in both countries had already established cooperation agreements aimed at promoting trade and investment opportunities.
