Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu

By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA (PRECISE POST)  –   Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with Cuba, pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy, trade, healthcare, education and cultural exchanges.

According to the statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Kalu made the commitment 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.

Describing the relationship between both countries as one founded on solidarity, mutual respect and cooperation among developing nations, the Deputy Speaker said Nigeria was determined to elevate the partnership to a new level.
“Nigeria and Cuba share a history rooted in solidarity, mutual respect and cooperation. This relationship did not start today and will not end anytime soon. We are committed to making it even stronger,” Kalu said.
He noted that despite being separated by geography, both countries are united by common aspirations for development, human dignity and international cooperation.

The Deputy Speaker welcomed an invitation from the Cuban Parliament and proposed stronger engagement between the National Assembly and Cuba’s legislative institutions through the revitalisation of the Nigeria-Cuba Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
“We have always had it in mind to strengthen the Cuba-Nigeria Friendship Group. Following this meeting, we intend to take that relationship much further,” he said.

Kalu identified trade and investment as key areas for enhanced cooperation, noting that while commercial exchanges between both countries remain modest, significant opportunities exist under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He described Nigeria, with its population of over 230 million people and status as Africa’s largest economy, as a gateway to the African market, while positioning Cuba as a strategic entry point into Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted Cuba’s globally recognised strengths in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, proposing partnerships in vaccine production, pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical training.
“Nigeria has long admired Cuba’s achievements in healthcare delivery and medical education. Opportunities exist for joint pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer in vaccine production and the training of Nigerian healthcare professionals,” he said.

Kalu further stressed the need for cooperation in education and human capital development, citing Cuba’s high literacy rates and strong public education system as areas from which Nigeria could benefit.
He suggested scholarship programmes, university collaborations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and knowledge-sharing initiatives to equip Nigeria’s growing youth population with skills for innovation and economic growth.

In agriculture, the Deputy Speaker pointed to Cuba’s expertise in organic farming, sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices, saying collaboration could boost food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
He also identified tourism and cultural diplomacy as sectors with enormous potential, noting that Cuba’s thriving tourism industry and Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector, particularly Nollywood, could provide avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Responding to concerns raised by the Cuban envoy over energy challenges facing the Caribbean nation, Kalu assured her that the House of Representatives would engage through its Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria-Cuba Friendship Group to explore possible areas of support.
He also acknowledged an invitation to an international colloquium marking the centenary of late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, saying the House would consider sending a delegation.

Earlier, Ambassador Palmero called for the establishment of a more active Nigeria-Cuba Friendship Group to strengthen legislative collaboration and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The envoy highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between Nigeria and Cuba, revealing that about three million Cubans trace their ancestry to Nigeria.
“Nigerians are part of our lives. If we are suffering in Cuba, they suffer with us; if we are happy, they are happy. That shared history is one of the reasons we are pushing for a stronger friendship group between our two countries,” she said.

Palmero also disclosed ongoing cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, healthcare and commerce, including discussions on vaccine production and agreements between chambers of commerce in both countries.
She reiterated Cuba’s readiness to expand partnerships with Nigeria’s public and private sectors, saying the country’s doors remain open to deeper economic and diplomatic engagement.

The meeting underscored renewed efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation across strategic sectors.