Nigeria, Philippines seek stronger economic, education ties as bilateral relations deepen
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with the Philippines, as both countries explore new opportunities for cooperation across trade, education, technology, agriculture and other strategic sectors.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday following a meeting with the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor.
According to the minister, the meeting provided another opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Philippines, which has endured for 65 years.
She noted that discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, particularly in the wake of a recent $300 million increase in bilateral trade, with both sides expressing optimism about unlocking additional investment and commercial opportunities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria and the Philippines also explored collaboration in agriculture, labour mobility, information technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), tourism, hospitality and hotel management, as well as maritime affairs.
She explained that strengthening partnerships in these sectors would not only boost trade and investment but also promote skills development, job creation and knowledge exchange between both countries.
The minister further revealed that Ambassador Mellejor informed her that about 9,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the Philippines, describing the figure as evidence of the growing educational ties between the two nations.
She commended the Philippine Government for the support and welfare programmes provided for Nigerian students, noting that such efforts have continued to strengthen people-to-people relations and educational cooperation.
Beyond trade and education, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said both countries are exploring fresh areas of collaboration in the oil and gas industry, as well as technical training, innovation and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing human capital development.
She stressed that Nigeria remains committed to building stronger bilateral relations with the Philippines through sustained diplomatic engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships capable of driving economic growth and national development in both countries.
The minister added that the discussions underscored the shared determination of Nigeria and the Philippines to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors while consolidating the gains recorded over six and a half decades of diplomatic relations.
