News Investigators/ The Cuban Government has appealed to Nigeria to support efforts to secure the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States (U.S.) on Cuba.
The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmero, made the appeal in Abuja on Thursday at a ceremony marking the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro Ruz, Cuba’s former leader and revolutionary icon.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Castro led Cuba from 1959 to 2011, serving as Prime Minister and President.
Mrs Palmero described Castro as a historic figure whose work and legacy remained relevant to contemporary global affairs.
She said the centenary celebration, which began in August 2025, was not only to honour Castro’s legacy but also to renew commitment to his ideals at a time of global crises and confrontation.
According to her, Castro’s revolutionary thought remains relevant, particularly in the face of what she described as attempts by the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump to undermine Cuba’s independence.
The envoy also recalled Cuba’s historic solidarity with Africa, noting that Cuban soldiers fought alongside African forces in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
She said the sacrifices made by the Cuban people had helped strengthen the foundations of independence and solidarity between Cuba and African countries.
Mrs Palmero called on Nigeria to continue advocating the total, unconditional and immediate lifting of the U.S. blockade against Cuba.
She further urged Nigeria to support Cuba’s removal from the U.S. list of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism and the lifting of sanctions against Cuban institutions.
The ambassador alleged that executive orders issued on Jan. 29 and May 1 by the Trump administration had worsened the situation in Cuba.
She said the measures had severely affected the Cuban people and contributed to what she described as a humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting children and elderly citizens.
Palmero cited alleged increases in child mortality and reductions in survival rates among children with cancer.
She also claimed that more than 100,000 patients were on surgical waiting lists, including 12,000 children and 5,152 cancer patients.
“Forty foreign banks have refused to do business with Cuba, while 140 bank transfers have been blocked, including payments for renewable energy technology”
“These are just a few of the thousands of examples illustrating the harm caused by the unjust policy of the U.S. Government,” she said.
Mrs Palmero expressed appreciation to Nigeria for its solidarity with Cuba, saying such gestures demonstrated the enduring spirit of international solidarity between the two countries.
She said the centenary was an opportunity to ensure that Castro’s ideas and legacy continued to inspire people committed to social transformation, creativity and independence.
The ceremony, held at the Cuban Embassy, was attended by trade union members, friends of the embassy and other supporters who gathered to commemorate 100 years since Castro’s birth.
NAN
