In a landmark development aimed at enhancing economic ties between Nigeria and Mexico, the Mexican Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday inaugurated the Nigeria-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) and its new Board of Directors. This strategic move signals a renewed commitment to deepen trade relations and explore investment opportunities between the two emerging economies.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, described the NMCC as a “new chapter” in the strategic, cultural, and economic relations between both countries. According to him, the chamber will act as a vital link to bridge business, innovation, and investment across sectors.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria and Mexico. Both nations are powerhouses on their respective continents. By working together, we aim to rewrite the narrative of global trade cooperation through innovation and shared economic ambition,” Miranda stated.
He emphasized that the NMCC would provide a platform for business matchmaking, offer market intelligence, promote foreign direct investment, and improve mutual understanding of commercial regulations and opportunities.
The chamber’s establishment comes at a time when global economies are diversifying trade alliances amid rising protectionism. For Nigeria, this partnership represents an opportunity to access Latin America’s second-largest economy and broaden export potential for its non-oil products.
Representing the Nigerian government, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, through Ambassador Anderson Madubuike, stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral trade relations in the current global economic landscape.
“There is enormous potential between our two nations. The establishment of this chamber comes at a strategic time when African nations are seeking stronger positions in global trade. Through this collaboration, Nigeria and Mexico can harness shared interests and create win-win solutions for our people,” Tuggar said.
Highlighting a specific area of mutual interest, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Mr. Idi Mukhtar, underscored the potential of agricultural cooperation. He pointed out that Nigeria currently spends over $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports and noted that the government was ready to partner with Mexican investors to upscale red meat production, dairy processing, and animal health management.
“The ministry is open to foreign direct investment that would revolutionize livestock production in Nigeria. We are sending a strong message to industry leaders that this partnership with Mexico will unlock new frontiers in agriculture and food security,” Mukhtar said.
Arim Pete, President of the NMCC, also delivered a strong message of commitment, stressing that the chamber would be built on trust, vision, and shared prosperity. She noted that Mexico, currently the 12th largest economy globally with a GDP of $1.8 trillion, offers vast opportunities for Nigerian enterprises looking to expand globally.
“Our economies are highly complementary. Nigeria has a young, dynamic population and abundant resources, while Mexico brings advanced manufacturing and trade expertise to the table. This is a timely collaboration that promises tangible outcomes,” Pete said.
The event was well-attended by key figures in Nigeria’s business landscape, including the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, diplomats, trade experts, and leaders from both the public and private sectors.
Established initially in 2014, the NMCC is now being repositioned to serve as a more active trade facilitator, supporting businesses in navigating regulatory hurdles, expanding market access, and fostering innovation through bilateral partnerships. Stakeholders say the reactivation of the NMCC could lead to increased job creation, technology transfer, and stronger diplomatic ties between both nations.
As global economic dynamics shift, this reinvigorated relationship between Nigeria and Mexico is expected to unlock new streams of bilateral trade, with the NMCC playing a central role in advancing this agenda.