Nigeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen economic relations with Mexico, as Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri announces plans for Mexican officials to visit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to explore trade and investment opportunities.
The proposed visit is part of a broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s exports, promote locally manufactured products and deepen commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Omokri disclosed the plan following a meeting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the National Assembly in Abuja. He said arrangements were underway for Mexican officials to tour the refinery and identify areas of potential collaboration with Nigerian businesses.
The ambassador-designate highlighted the country’s capacity to supply Mexico with refined petroleum products and urea fertiliser, noting that Nigeria could significantly increase its exports to the Latin American market.
According to him, Nigeria already exports urea fertiliser to Mexico, but the current volume remains relatively small compared with the opportunities available.
He expressed optimism that Nigerian suppliers could expand their presence in the Mexican market by offering competitively priced industrial products and petroleum derivatives.
Omokri also emphasised the importance of moving Nigeria away from dependence on raw-material exports towards a production-driven economy capable of manufacturing goods for domestic consumption and international markets.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, owned by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, is expected to play a significant role in the proposed trade initiative because of its large-scale refining capacity and potential to supply international markets.
Beyond petroleum products and fertiliser, the planned engagement could open discussions on wider industrial cooperation, investment opportunities and stronger commercial relationships between Nigerian and Mexican companies.
The initiative comes as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties across sectors including energy, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure.
Nigeria and Mexico established diplomatic relations in 1976 and marked 50 years of bilateral relations in 2026. Both countries have expressed interest in expanding trade and cooperation, creating opportunities for businesses to explore new markets and partnerships.
Meanwhile, Akpabio pledged support for efforts to promote Nigeria’s economic interests abroad, stressing that diplomatic appointments should deliver practical benefits through trade, investment and international partnerships.
He also indicated that Nigerian lawmakers could explore establishing a parliamentary friendship group with their Mexican counterparts to strengthen legislative exchanges and support bilateral cooperation.
The proposed refinery visit could therefore serve as an important step towards translating diplomatic engagement into commercial opportunities. However, the scale of any future trade agreements will depend on negotiations, market demand, pricing and the competitiveness of Nigerian products.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could help Nigeria diversify its export markets, generate additional foreign exchange and strengthen the international position of its domestic manufacturing and refining industries.