Nigeria Philippines labour relations advance as both nations agree to deepen cooperation on skilled workforce exchange and migration management

Nigeria Philippines labour relations have taken a step forward as the two countries met in Abuja to explore deeper cooperation in the movement and protection of skilled workers.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, hosted the Secretary of Migrant Workers of the Republic of the Philippines, Hans Leo Cacdac, in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral labour engagement.

Tuggar described Nigeria–Philippines ties as an age-long relationship dating back to independence, noting that both countries have maintained diplomatic missions for decades.

He recalled that many Nigerians, particularly of his generation, were taught STEM subjects by Filipino teachers, fostering not just academic knowledge but also cultural exchange.

“Beyond education, we have had Filipino professionals contributing to our aviation and maritime industries for decades,” Tuggar said, adding that the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy emphasises Nigerian workers abroad, particularly as global demand for skilled labour rises.

Cacdac, in his remarks, thanked Nigeria for its longstanding goodwill and stressed the Philippines’ interest in mutual learning and cooperation.

He highlighted his country’s migration management system, which has documented millions of overseas Filipino workers while maintaining strong measures against human trafficking — earning high ratings in the latest US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report.

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Both nations agreed to explore ways of sharing best practices and creating opportunities that benefit their economies and citizens, with labour mobility and worker protection at the core of future engagement.