Nigeria, Mexico Plan Ministerial Visits To Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Nigeria and Mexico have agreed to enhance diplomatic engagement through a series of ministerial visits, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand collaboration across key sectors of their economies.

This development followed a farewell visit by Mexico’s outgoing Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the conclusion of his diplomatic posting.

The two countries – regional powers in Africa and Latin America respectively – established diplomatic relations around five decades ago and have since continued to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

In a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the Mexican envoy for his strategic role in strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation and trade diversification between the two countries during his nearly four-year tenure in Nigeria.

The minister also sought Mexico’s support in developing Nigeria’s culture and tourism sectors, noting the strong cultural and social values shared by both countries.

“I am consistently impressed when I visit Mexico; it is a very family-oriented country. We share similar values and cultural perspectives.

“Therefore, we must expand our bilateral relations in areas of trade, cultural exchange and other mutually beneficial sectors,” she said.

According to the minister, Nigeria could learn significantly from Mexico’s experience in tourism development, adding that discussions were already underway with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to explore opportunities for deeper cultural collaboration.

“We have a great deal to learn from Mexico in tourism. We are already in discussions with the relevant authorities to explore how we can broaden our cultural and tourism ties, as we have much in common,” she added.

Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu wished the retiring diplomat well in his future endeavours and expressed her appreciation for his contributions to strengthening ties between the two countries.

During his tenure, Ambassador Ortiz oversaw several key achievements, including the establishment of the Nigerian–Mexican Chamber of Commerce and the inauguration of a Mexican honorary consulate in Lagos to facilitate stronger economic and diplomatic engagement.

Beyond economic cooperation, the ambassador also championed cultural diplomacy and supported initiatives promoting inclusive development, particularly programmes highlighting the role of women and girls in society.

He also encouraged structured dialogue across multiple sectors and advocated for stronger regional partnerships.

In his remarks, Mr Ortiz expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for the cooperation he received during his diplomatic assignment, noting that bilateral relations between the two countries had advanced significantly through enhanced diplomatic engagement and structured dialogue.

Among the achievements during his tenure, he highlighted strengthened agricultural cooperation, particularly under the SENASICA–NAQS framework, which helped boost Nigeria’s hibiscus exports to Mexico.

The envoy described Nigeria as a major voice in global affairs and a regional power, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States.

Mr Ortiz also commended the recent state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, describing it as historic and indicative of Nigeria’s growing importance on the international stage.

“I am confident that this historic event demonstrates Nigeria’s importance in the international arena and its role in regional affairs,” he said, also praising Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu for her role during the visit.

Looking ahead, both Nigeria and Mexico expressed their willingness to broaden cooperation into emerging sectors including manufacturing, mining, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong political, economic and diplomatic relations in the years to come.