·…Odumegwu-Ojukwu seeks support in tourism development
Nigeria and Mexico are poised to deepen bilateral relations through exchange of ministerial visits between the two nations.
This is as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is seeking Mexico’s support in the development of Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector.
These were the highlights of a valedictory visit of the outgoing Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, having concluded his tour of duty in Nigeria.
The two regional power nations in Latin America and Africa established diplomatic relations 50 years ago.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the minister, Dr. Magnus Eze said that she praised the envoy for his commendable performance in Nigeria noting that he was very strategic to the strengthening of bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and trade diversification between Nigeria and Mexico.
Ambassador Ortiz’s tenure saw the establishment of 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 see how we can expand our relations culturally. 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 showed how the country was rated by Britain, the world power host.
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 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.
