Trade between Nigeria and the Philippines has increased by 700 per cent over the past three years, rising from $47 million in 2023 to $300 million in 2025, as both countries move to deepen economic and diplomatic relations.
The Philippines’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, disclosed this on Wednesday during the celebration of the 128th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of the Philippines hosted by the country’s embassy in Abuja.
Mellejor said that although trade volumes between both countries remain modest compared to larger global trading partners, bilateral commerce has recorded impressive and consistent growth in recent years.
“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,” the ambassador said.
“That is about a 700 per cent increase, and we remain focused on encouraging partnerships between Philippines and Nigerian companies.”
To further strengthen economic ties, Mellejor announced plans to establish a Nigeria-Philippines Business Council, which he said would provide a structured platform for businesses from both countries to collaborate and explore new investment opportunities.
According to him, the initiative is expected to improve coordination among private sector operators and unlock greater commercial potential.
“This is to ensure that business between the two countries is conducted in a more organised manner and to enable players on both sides to leverage their strengths,” he said.
Beyond trade and investment, the ambassador highlighted growing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations, describing them as key pillars of the bilateral relationship.
He noted that Afrobeats music has gained considerable popularity in the Philippines, while Filipino television dramas and soap operas continue to attract audiences in Nigeria, reflecting stronger people-to-people connections.
Mellejor also revealed that more than 9,000 Nigerians are currently studying in higher institutions across the Philippines, a development he said is helping to strengthen educational ties between both countries.
Speaking at the event, Babagana Wakili, Chief of Protocol at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Philippines across several sectors.
Wakili commended members of the Filipino community in Nigeria for their contributions to healthcare, education and technology, noting that their impact has been widely recognised.
“The professionalism, dedication and service of Filipinos in Nigeria remain appreciated by the government and people of Nigeria,” he said.
He added that Nigeria is looking to deepen collaboration with the Philippines in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, labour mobility and capacity building.
“We look forward to enhancing our cooperation for sustainable development and to sustaining the dignity of our peoples,” Wakili said.
“This anniversary celebration is not only a tribute to the Philippines’ proud history, but also an affirmation of the enduring bond between our two countries.”
The growing relationship between both nations comes amid renewed diplomatic engagements aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
In June 2026, Nigeria and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ambassador Mellejor.
During the meeting, both countries reviewed the state of bilateral relations and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions underscored the steady growth of Nigeria-Philippines relations, which have continued to flourish since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than six decades ago.
Boluwatife Enome
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