Nigeria and Mexico have moved to strengthen their 50-year diplomatic relationship, with both countries signalling renewed commitment to deeper cooperation, particularly in tourism, culture and economic exchange.
The push for stronger ties comes as the two nations consider the exchange of ministerial visits aimed at expanding collaboration across key sectors, including trade, cultural engagement and development partnerships.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the federal government is actively seeking Mexico’s support in advancing Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector, noting that both countries share strong cultural values and untapped opportunities.
This formed part of discussions during a valedictory visit by the outgoing Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Ortiz, who recently concluded his diplomatic mission in the country after nearly four years of service.
Both countries, regarded as regional powers in Africa and Latin America, established diplomatic relations five decades ago, with officials noting that the partnership has continued to evolve through trade, cultural diplomacy and structured bilateral engagement.
A statement issued by the minister’s special assistant on communication and new media, Dr Magnus Eze, said Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the envoy for his role in strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation and trade diversification between Nigeria and Mexico.
Ambassador Ortiz’s tenure saw the establishment of the Nigerian-Mexican Chamber of Commerce as well as the inauguration of a Mexican honorary consulate in Lagos to deepen ties.
In addition to cultural and social advocacy, including strong support for events highlighting inclusive development, such as the role of women and girls in society, the ambassador also promoted structural dialogue across various sectors and advocated for strong regional partnerships.
“I am amazed when I go to Mexico because it’s a family-oriented country.
“We have shared values. So, we have to expand our bilateral relations in areas of trade, cultural exchange and so on.
“We have a lot to learn from Mexico in the area of tourism. I was discussing with the minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy so that we could see how we can expand our cultural relations. We have a lot in common with Mexico,” the minister stated.
She wished the retiring envoy, who was accompanied on the visit by his spouse, Maria, and some officials of the embassy, the very best in his future endeavours.
Ambassador Ortiz pledged to continue supporting Nigeria–Mexico relations even after leaving diplomatic service.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its support throughout his nearly four-year tenure, noting that “bilateral relations had significantly advanced through enhanced diplomatic engagement and structured dialogue mechanisms”.
Among key achievements, he pointed to strengthened agricultural cooperation, particularly under the SENASICA–NAQS framework, which boosted Nigeria’s hibiscus exports to Mexico.
The envoy described Nigeria as a strong voice in global affairs and a regional power, particularly under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) platform.
He also commended the recent state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, saying that it was not just historic but also showed how the country was rated by Britain, the world’s host power.
Ambassador Ortiz, who praised the minister for her roles during the state visit to the UK, also expressed pleasure with Nigeria’s economic growth under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu.
He said, “I am sure that this historic event (state visit to the UK) shows the importance of Nigeria in the international arena and the role it plays in regional affairs.”
Looking ahead, both sides emphasised the need to expand collaboration into emerging sectors such as manufacturing, mining, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining strong political, economic, and diplomatic ties.
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