PH to open Migrant Workers Office in Abuja, Nigeria

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will open a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Abuja, Nigeria to provide support and protection to an estimated 6,000 Filipinos in the West African nation. 

The DMW made the statement after Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, along with Philippine envoy to Nigeria Mersole Mellejor, met with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Labor Minister Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi to discuss enhanced labor cooperation, protection mechanisms, and future labor market opportunities. 

“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,” said the DMW in a statement. 

The department added that the establishment of an MWO in Abuja “will facilitate faster response to labor concerns, provide legal and welfare assistance, and improve coordination with host governments and employers.” 

Tuggar highlighted opportunities for Filipino professionals in Nigeria’s electrical, solar, and emerging industries, while, Dingyadi expressed support for the opening of a labor office at the Philippine embassy in Abuja, and assured to discuss a bilateral labor agreement soon. 

“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,” the DMW said.

“Additionally, the country’s expanding agribusiness and services sectors offer further potential for bilateral cooperation in manpower deployment.” — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News