Colombia’s President-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has announced plans to open a full embassy in Nigeria as part of a major overhaul of the country’s diplomatic network aimed at strengthening its presence in Africa.
Speaking during a public address, de la Espriella said the new embassy, expected to be located in Abuja, would replace Colombia’s current Honorary Consulate headed by Maricel Romero Cantillo.
He explained that the move forms part of a broader diplomatic restructuring that will also see Colombia reopen its embassy in Jerusalem while consolidating or closing missions in about 14 countries, including Algeria, Ethiopia and South Africa.
The President-elect said the reorganisation would save “thousands of millions of pesos” and allow the government to redirect resources to regions with greater strategic and economic opportunities.
Announcing the plan on Monday, de la Espriella said Africa represents a key frontier for Colombia’s foreign policy, with Nigeria offering significant prospects for trade, investment and deeper bilateral relations.
“This is about making diplomacy more efficient, cutting costs, and focusing our resources where they matter most,” he said, adding that the changes mark a departure from the foreign policy priorities of the previous administration.
The announcement comes ahead of de la Espriella’s inauguration on August 7, 2026. Colombian media outlets, including Caracol and Semana, reported that the proposed embassy in Nigeria would become a key pillar of the incoming administration’s foreign policy agenda.
By expanding its diplomatic presence in Africa while streamlining operations elsewhere, Colombia hopes to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria and enhance its engagement on the continent.