Philippines expands presence in Africa, to open Migrant Workers office in Nigeria
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
In a press statement released, by the
Department of Migrant Workers
August 14, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced expanding its presence in Africa with the proposed opening of a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Abuja— a move its said aimed at providing greater protection and support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region.
According to the statement, “The plan is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.‘s thrust of ensuring the protection of the rights and well-being of Filipinos working abroad.
The establishment of the MWO in Abuja will not just provide immediate assistance and support to an estimated 6,000 Filipinos in Nigeria, but also to OFWs across 12 other West and Central African countries covered by the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, along with Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole Mellejor and DMW team, met with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Labor Minister Dr Muhammad Maigadi Dingyadi to lay the groundwork for enhanced labor cooperation, protection mechanisms, and future labor market opportunities.
Secretary Cacdac expressed gratitude to the government of Nigeria for hosting over 6,000 OFWs and for the optimism towards strengthened bilateral ties with the Philippines, particularly in labor, business process outsourcing, and migration support, while promoting stronger people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, meanwhile, recognized Nigeria’s long-standing relations with the Philippines recalling the significant contributions of Filipino teachers to Nigeria in the 1970s. He also acknowledged the important role of migrants in human resource development and highlighted opportunities for Filipino professionals in Nigeria’s electrical, solar, and emerging industries.
On the other hand, Labor Minister Dingyadi assured its support for the opening of labor office at the Philippine embassy in Abuja, and expressed readiness to discuss a bilateral labor agreement.
As Africa’s most populous nation and largest crude oil and natural gas producer, Nigeria plays a significant role in global energy markets. Its oil wealth has fueled rapid growth in infrastructure, construction, and other industries, creating labor demand that could present new employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Filipino workers. Additionally, the country’s expanding agribusiness and services sectors offer further potential for bilateral cooperation in manpower deployment.
While the MWO in Abuja will serve as a frontline office for OFWs in Nigeria, its reach will extend to neighboring countries in West and Central Africa. Its presence will facilitate faster response to labor concerns, provide legal and welfare assistance, and improve coordination with host governments and employers.
Led by Secretary Cacdac, the DMW team who went to Abuja for the mission include Undersecretary Jainal Rasul, Jr., OIC Assistant Secretary Julyn Ambito Fermin, Director Geraldine Mendez, and Desk Officer for Africa Ms. Hanna Grace.
