Bilateral trade between Nigeria and the Philippines has expanded by approximately 700% over the past three years, climbing from $47 million in 2023 to $300 million in 2025, according to the Philippines' Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor.
The ambassador disclosed the figure on Wednesday during the 128th Independence Anniversary celebration of the Republic of the Philippines, hosted by its embassy in Abuja.
Mellejor described the growth as evidence of untapped potential between the two economies, even though the absolute value remains modest compared to larger trading partners. He said both countries had maintained cordial relations since establishing diplomatic and trade ties in August 1962, with Nigeria operating an embassy in Manila and the Philippines maintaining one in Abuja.
To further institutionalise commercial engagement, the ambassador announced plans to establish a Nigeria-Philippines Business Council. The initiative is expected to create a more structured platform for private sector players on both sides to coordinate and pursue investment opportunities.
Beyond merchandise trade, educational and cultural exchanges have become significant pillars of the relationship. Mellejor revealed that more than 9,000 Nigerians are currently pursuing higher education in the Philippines. He also noted that Afrobeats music has gained substantial popularity in the Philippines, while Filipino television dramas continue to attract Nigerian audiences.
Speaking at the event, Babagana Wakili, Chief of Protocol at Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the government's commitment to widening cooperation with the Philippines. He acknowledged the contributions of the Filipino community in Nigeria, particularly in healthcare, education, and technology.
Wakili added that Nigeria was keen to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, labour mobility, and capacity building.
In a related development, Nigeria and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting in June 2026 between Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ambassador Mellejor. Both sides reviewed the state of relations and explored opportunities for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
In April 2025, the Philippines also introduced a Digital Nomad Visa programme, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year while earning income from foreign sources. The visa is open to applicants aged 18 and above who work remotely using digital technology and derive their income from outside the Philippines.
