Nigeria, Philippines Strengthen Labour, Migration Ties in High-Level Abuja Talks.
By Caroline Ameh
Nigeria and the Philippines have renewed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation on labour migration, worker protection, and the fight against human trafficking following a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, hosted the Philippine delegation led by Secretary of Migrant Workers, Hon. Hans Leo J. Cacdac. Both sides discussed enhancing labor systems, protecting migrant workers, and sharing expertise on diaspora engagement.
Tuggar praised the historic relationship between both nations, recalling the contributions of Filipino professionals in Nigeria’s education, maritime, and aviation sectors. He linked the renewed cooperation to President Bola Tinubu’s “4D” foreign policy pillars, Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora noting that Nigeria seeks to adopt the Philippines’ globally respected model for managing overseas workers.
“We want our diaspora workers to be protected and empowered with dignity and full government support, just as the Philippines does,” Tuggar said. He added that about nine pending bilateral agreements are close to conclusion, with a new labor specific pact proposed during the talks.
Secretary Cacdac conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to deepen labor ties with Nigeria, describing the country as a “safe haven” for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He requested the establishment of a Migrant Workers Office in Abuja to enhance coordination and service delivery for Filipino workers.
“Our goal is to strengthen people-to-people ties through institutional cooperation and safer migration pathways,” Cacdac said.
The Philippine delegation included senior officials from the Migrant Workers Department and the Philippine Embassy in Abuja. They are also expected to meet with Nigeria’s Ministry of Labour to explore capacity building, information exchange, and bilateral labor arrangements.
Both nations pledged to formalize agreements that would promote labor mobility, professional exchanges, and mutual protection for migrant workers.
The talks concluded with optimism about expanding cooperation in human capital development, diaspora engagement, and anti-trafficking measures.
