Nigeria, Philippines Strengthen Bilateral Relationship in Labour, Migration
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) Nigeria government and the Republic of the Philippines on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 held a high-level meeting in Abuja where both countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in labour and migration.
The Philippine delegation led by the Secretary of Migrant Workers, Hon. Hans Leo J. Cacdac, was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at the ministry headquarters in Abuja. And both parties have a strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation on labour migration, protecting migrant workers, and combating human trafficking.
Amb. Tuggar in his opening remarks expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between both countries, noting historical ties dating back to Nigeria’s independence. He highlighted the valuable contributions of Filipino professionals in Nigeria, particularly in the education, maritime, and aviation sectors over the decades.
“Many Nigerians of my generation were taught by Filipino teachers, especially in STEM fields. These ties extend beyond knowledge sharing, they help build cultural bridges,” Tuggar said.
He added that under President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, anchored on Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora, Nigeria is keen on learning from the Philippines’ globally recognized approach to managing overseas workers.
“We want to ensure our own diaspora workers are protected and empowered just as the Philippines does, with dignity, respect, and full government support,” the Minister stated.
The Minister also mentioned Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) program, established in 1987, which deploys skilled Nigerian professionals to ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries. He hinted at plans to evolve the initiative into a revenue-generating enterprise while also seeking broader international collaboration.
Responding, Cacdac conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to deepen labour relations with partner countries where Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are employed, including Nigeria.
“We met with some of our nationals here and are happy to see that Nigeria has been a safe and welcoming place for them,” said Cacdac. “We are here to build upon that goodwill and ensure stronger coordination and protection mechanisms.”
The Philippine delegation included high-ranking officials such as Deputy Minister for International Cooperation, John Al Rasul; Assistant Secretary for Pre-Employment Concerns, Juleen Abito; and Director for Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking, Giant Mendez. They were accompanied by the staff of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.
Cacdac emphasized the importance of mutual learning between both nations in areas like migration governance, anti-trafficking efforts, and labor systems development. He also formally requested the establishment of a dedicated labor office within the Philippine Embassy in Abuja to better serve the needs of Filipino workers in Nigeria and enhance liaison with local authorities.
“Our goal is to further strengthen people-to-people ties through institutional cooperation. This includes knowledge-sharing on labor practices and building safer migration pathways for our citizens,” Cacdac noted.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door session, Secretary Cacdac expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its hospitality and for fostering deeper engagement between