Nigeria, Mexico to Bolster Trade Relations with Inauguration of Chamber of Commerce

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) has been inaugurated to enhance trading relations between Nigeria and Mexico.

The inauguration took place in Abuja on Tuesday where the members of the Board of Directors were introduced to the members of the public.

The Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Amb. Alfredo Miranda, during the inauguration ceremony organised by the embassy in Abuja described NMCC as a new chapter in the economic, cultural and strategic relations between the two great nations.

He stated that NMCC would bridge businesses, ideas, innovation and opportunities between Nigeria and Mexico, as two countries rich in heritage, resilient in spirit and bold in ambition.

According to him, the NMCC would serve as a catalyst and provide critical support to businesses from both countries, promote trade and investment, offer market intelligence and foster mutual understanding.

Miranda said: “This is the moment we are certain will work, create new narrative and show to people that together Nigeria and Mexico are big power houses.

“The two countries do wonderful work for their continents. We have to continue working in trade, this is why it is important to focus on these strategic areas and see the capacity of some countries.

“I believe that in the future, we will have more positive figures than what we have just done. “

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, underscored the need for both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties to harness economic potential.

Tuggar, who was represented by Amb. Anderson Madubuike, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the ministry, said: “There are so much that the two countries can do in advancing global economy, good enough this NMCC has come at auspicious moment.

“By talking about globalisation we are saying African countries must come together to take their rightful places in the committee of nations.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar, promised to open new-vista for agriculture to thrive through adequate investment in production of red meat, animal disease management and processing of diary.

Mukhtar said, Nigeria today imports not less than 1.5 billion USD worth of diary products, we are hoping to upscale operations of the red meat industries, create opportunities and competition at the international market.

“So, the ministry is open to investment and this is where we have been able to send message to all captains of industry and the newly created Nigerian-Mexico,” he said.

For her part, the President of NMCC, Arim Topete, commended the event marked new era for the chamber to be built on trust, opportunity and vision.

According to her, Mexico is not just a regional powerhouse, it is the 12th largest economy in the world with a Gross Domestic Product of 1.8 trillion dollars.

Pete said, “We are going to focus on trade with Nigeria as our primary focus. Times have changed and the rules of trade have also been rewritten.

“So it is a good time for NMCC because there are so many opportunities across both countries. Our economies are so complimentary, it is for us to now start the initiative,” she said.

The event attracted the President of NMCC the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dele Kelvin Oye,

Others include representatives of the Nigeria trade chambers. diplomats and leaders of the private sector.

NMCC was established to promote bilateral trade and investment, support businesses in navigating regulatory landscapes and foster collaborations that generate jobs, technology and knowledge across both countries.

Nigeria, Mexico to Bolster Trade Relations with Inauguration of Chamber of Commerce

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government in partnership with the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has officially validated the Revised 2024 National Migration Policy and its Integrated Implementation Plan.

The validation event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marked the culmination of months of extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, with inputs from government agencies, international partners, and civil society organisations.

The updated policy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leading migration governance efforts in Africa, while aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework.

Speaking at the high-level validation session, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche praised the inclusiveness and depth of Nigeria’s policy-making process.

She said: “This policy is the product of rigorous consultations, late-night research, and inter-agency collaboration. It’s not just a technical validation; it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping inclusive and globally-aligned migration systems.”

The revised policy arrives at a time when global migration trends are shifting rapidly. With over 281 million international migrants worldwide and remittances to low- and middle-income countries reaching $669 billion in 2023, migration continues to be a key development driver.

Nigeria, which received an estimated $19.5 billion in remittances last year, relies heavily on these funds to support household needs such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Director General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, emphasised that the updated policy responds to both national realities and global migration dynamics.

He said: “We need adaptive and inclusive frameworks to tackle modern migration challenges such as climate-induced displacement, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations.”

Ahmed explained that the revised policy was developed through a structured review process led by a 19-member committee, guided by the United Nations Network on Migration’s six-step approach to implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the urgency of addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants abroad. Referring to the recent rescue of 231 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.

She said: “Migration is not a crime. We must do more to protect our citizens from exploitation and abuse. This policy must not just exist on paper, it must actively guide public awareness campaigns and cross-border interventions.”

The revised policy prioritises improved coordination among government agencies, better migration data governance, climate resilience strategies, diaspora engagement, and legal migration pathways.

Dimanche noted that effective coordination remains key to implementatio, adding that: “Nigeria has proven that harmonising efforts across ministries and sectors is not only possible but essential for results”, she added.

The IOM’s technical support and funding, through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, were crucial to the development of the new policy, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with international standards.

With the validation phase completed, the next step is to secure Federal Executive Council approval, after which the policy will guide Nigeria’s migration agenda in the years ahead.

“The presence of all stakeholders here today shows our shared vision. Together, we can build a migration system that is humane, coordinated, and development-focused”, Ahmed said.

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

FG Declares 1st May, Public Holiday

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 1st May, 2025 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government reiterated the need for peace to drive industrialization and economic growth.

Tunji-Ojo commended workers for their diligence and sacrifice. He noted that workers’ efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria commands in the comity of nations.

According to the Minister, ”There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do, is vital to nation-building”. He therefore urged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity.

Tunji-Ojo encouraged workers to raise the bar of their trade to drive and upgrade the bar of governance and make all the people of Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the nation’s wealth.

He assured Nigerians that, “this Administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.”

While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised.

FG Declares 1st May, Public Holiday