Nigeria and Mexico have agreed to intensify diplomatic engagement through the exchange of ministerial visits aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding collaboration across key sectors of their economies.
This development emerged during a valedictory visit by Mexico’s outgoing Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following the conclusion of his diplomatic tour of duty in the country.
The two countries—regional powers in Africa and Latin America respectively—established diplomatic relations about five decades ago and have 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, Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the Mexican envoy for his strategic role in strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation and trade diversification between both 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 that both countries share strong cultural and social values.
“I am always amazed when I visit Mexico because it is a family-oriented country. We share similar values and cultural outlooks. Therefore, we must expand our bilateral relations in areas of trade, cultural exchange and other mutually beneficial sectors,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria could learn significantly from Mexico’s experience in tourism development, adding that discussions were already ongoing with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to explore opportunities for deeper cultural collaboration.
“We have a lot to learn from Mexico in tourism. We are already engaging relevant authorities to see how we can broaden our cultural and tourism relations because we have many things in common,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu wished the retiring diplomat well in his future endeavours and expressed appreciation for his contributions to strengthening ties between both countries.
During his tenure, Ambassador Ortiz oversaw several milestones, 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 stronger regional partnerships.
In his remarks, Ortiz expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for the cooperation extended to him during his diplomatic assignment, noting that bilateral relations between the two countries had advanced significantly through enhanced diplomatic engagement and structured dialogue mechanisms.
Among the achievements recorded 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, especially within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States.
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 sure that this historic event shows the importance of Nigeria in the international arena and the role it plays in regional affairs,” he said, while also praising Odumegwu-Ojukwu for her role during the visit.
Looking ahead, both Nigeria and Mexico expressed readiness to broaden cooperation into emerging sectors including manufacturing, mining, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining strong political, economic and diplomatic relations in the years ahead.
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