Nigeria Reaffirms Support for Cuba, Seeks Stronger Cooperation in Health, Education, Agriculture
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relations with the Cuba, pledging deeper cooperation in key sectors, including education, healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture and food security.
The assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting with the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, both sides reviewed the state of Nigeria-Cuba relations and explored opportunities to expand collaboration in critical sectors. Ambassador Palmero congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to broadening its historic partnership with Nigeria.
She highlighted ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding on education, efforts to conclude negotiations on an agreement covering Cuba’s internationally recognised Food and Nutrition Programme, and discussions on vaccine production and biotechnology through partnerships with Nigerian private sector investors.
On multilateral issues, the Cuban envoy expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent support for the United Nations General Assembly> resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. She also briefed the minister on the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Caribbean nation and appealed for Nigeria’s continued support within the United Nations system.
Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding friendship with Cuba and expressed sympathy over the humanitarian difficulties confronting the Cuban people.
He stressed that disputes between nations should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, mutual respect and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s continued support for the UN General Assembly resolution calling for the lifting of the embargo on Cuba, noting that the country’s position aligns with that of the African Union and reflects its enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty and multilateral cooperation.
He also welcomed ongoing bilateral engagements in education, healthcare and agriculture, expressing confidence that both countries would continue to deepen technical cooperation for their mutual benefit.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding Nigeria-Cuba relations, strengthening cooperation in priority sectors and sustaining close collaboration on regional and multilateral issues of shared interest.
(MFA Press, 7, 2026)
