The volume of trade between Nigeria and the Philippines has seen a remarkable 700% increase over the last three years, escalating from $47 million in 2023 to $300 million in 2025. This surge reflects both countries' efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Philippines’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, disclosed this information on Wednesday during the 128th Independence Anniversary celebration of the Republic of the Philippines, hosted by the country’s Embassy in Abuja.
Ambassador Mellejor highlighted that both nations have consistently maintained cordial relations while actively exploring new opportunities across trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges.
Diplomatic and trade relations between Nigeria and the Philippines were established in August 1962, marking over six decades of bilateral ties. Nigeria operates an embassy in Manila, and the Philippines maintains an embassy in Abuja, underscoring their enduring partnership.
Mellejor acknowledged that while current trade volumes are modest compared to larger global partners, commercial relations have demonstrated steady growth in recent years. He stated, “The level of bilateral trade is modest by today’s standards, but it has shown remarkable potential, having expanded consistently over the last three years.”
He further added, “That is about a 700 per cent increase, and we remain focused on encouraging partnerships between Philippines and Nigerian companies.”
The ambassador also revealed plans for establishing a Nigeria-Philippines Business Council. This initiative aims to strengthen commercial engagements and create a more structured platform for businesses from both countries, improving coordination between private sector players and unlocking new investment opportunities.
Beyond trade and investment, cultural and educational exchanges have emerged as significant pillars of the relationship. Afrobeats music has gained considerable popularity in the Philippines, while Filipino television dramas and soap operas attract audiences in Nigeria, indicating growing people-to-people connections.
Additionally, Ambassador Mellejor noted that over 9,000 Nigerians are currently pursuing higher education in the Philippines, further solidifying educational ties between the two nations.
Babagana Wakili, Chief of Protocol at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Philippines during the event. He praised the Filipino community in Nigeria for their important contributions to sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology.
Wakili stated, “The professionalism, dedication and service of Filipinos in Nigeria remain appreciated by the government and people of Nigeria.” He added that Nigeria seeks to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, labour mobility, and capacity building, looking forward to enhancing cooperation for sustainable development.
In April, the Philippines launched a new Digital Nomad Visa programme, allowing remote workers aged at least 18 to live and work in the country for up to one year, provided they earn income from foreign sources.
More recently, in June 2026, Nigeria and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor. This meeting reviewed the state of relations and explored opportunities to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges, highlighting the steady growth of their relationship over six decades.
