The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for the establishment of a structured framework for parliamentary diplomacy between Nigeria and Cuba, aimed at deepening cooperation in health, education, trade, and culture.

Abbas, represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, made the call on Sunday in Abuja while hosting a Cuban parliamentary delegation led by Fernando Llort, a member of Cuba’s National Assembly and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People.

The Speaker said such cooperation should go beyond rhetoric and lead to concrete outcomes including signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), funded programmes, and ratified treaties that benefit both countries.

Nigeria and Cuba have maintained diplomatic ties since 1974, with cooperation largely centred on health, education, and culture. Over the years, Cuban scholarships have trained Nigerian doctors and other professionals, while Cuban medical brigades have supported health initiatives across Africa, including Nigeria.

Abbas noted that this legacy should be expanded through parliamentary channels. “Our tools are laws, oversight, and convening power. The Nigeria–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a platform to fast-track frameworks for medical exchanges, academic recognition, joint research, and targeted investments,” he said.

He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy must produce real results, adding that the 10th National Assembly is committed to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, which prioritise African solidarity and South-South cooperation.

Despite longstanding ties, Abbas lamented that trade between Nigeria and Cuba remains negligible. Citing UN figures, he noted that Nigeria’s imports from Cuba stood at just $2,380 in 2024.

“Our cultural bonds run deep in music, sports, and literature, yet our trade volumes are almost non-existent. We must convert this cultural affinity into economic opportunities for artisans, agri-entrepreneurs, and the creative industries,” he said.

The Speaker highlighted health cooperation as a key area of potential growth. He pointed to Cuba’s proven expertise, noting that more than 1,200 Cuban doctors serve in medical brigades across the world, while Cuban biotechnology has produced innovations such as the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine.

“Joint training, health expertise exchange, and co-developed treatments can strengthen Nigeria’s health systems. Partnerships in biotech and vaccine production will not only protect public health but also create jobs and advance Africa’s self-sufficiency,” he said.

Abbas proposed that Nigerian students on scholarships in Cuba could be paired with internships and reciprocal placements at home, producing professionals skilled in international cooperation.

Abbas emphasised that the Nigeria–Cuba partnership must be reciprocal. “We value Cuba’s achievements in health, biotechnology, and education, while Cuba can benefit from Nigeria’s 200 million-strong market, rich resources, vibrant creative industries, and continental leadership,” he said.

He added that both countries stand to gain from collaboration in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and culture. “Cuba brings tested knowledge; Nigeria offers scale and opportunity. Together, we can uplift our peoples and the wider Global South,” he said.

In their remarks, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmer, and parliamentary leader Fernando Llort praised the historic friendship between the two nations. They expressed Cuba’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit and invited the Nigerian delegation to Cuba for further exchanges on parliamentary diplomacy.