Nigeria has celebrated H.E. Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, outgoing Ambassador of Mexico, for his pivotal role in deepening bilateral relations, especially in trade and investment.

The farewell audience, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed on behalf of Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

During his nearly four-year tenure, Ambassador Ortiz championed initiatives such as the establishment of the Nigeria–Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the appointment of an Honorary Consul in Lagos, and enhanced agricultural trade most notably the export of hibiscus under the SENASICA–NAQS framework.

Ahmed commended the ambassador’s contributions and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to attracting foreign investment, expanding trade, and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy.

The year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a milestone underscoring the resilience and growth of their partnership.

Both sides pledged to sustain momentum through continued high-level engagement and effective implementation of bilateral agreements.

Ambassador Ortiz expressed gratitude for the recognition and promised to continue supporting Nigeria–Mexico relations even after leaving diplomatic service.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, peaceful coexistence, and international partnership during a high-level engagement with the First Step Forum (FSF) delegation in Abuja.

The delegation, led by Executive Director Marc Jost, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed represented Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveying his apologies due to prior commitments.

During the dialogue, the FSF highlighted its mission to promote religious freedom, human rights, and regional peace, while expressing interest in Nigeria’s governance, foreign policy, and investment landscape.

Delegation members also called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Europe in security, human rights, and economic development.

In response, Permanent Secretary Ahmed emphasized Nigeria’s peaceful, multi-religious identity, adherence to constitutional law, and ongoing efforts to tackle security and development challenges.

He underscored the country’s foreign policy guided by the “4-Ds” doctrine Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora and Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and African Union in promoting regional stability.

Ahmed also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing bilateral trade, and leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He proposed establishing a formal framework for cooperation between the First Step Forum and the Nigerian National Assembly, including potential Memoranda of Understanding for joint programs and exchanges.

Marc Jost expressed appreciation for the engagement and confirmed FSF’s intention to expand collaboration with Nigeria through future visits and broader initiatives.

The meeting highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships while advancing human rights, governance, and economic growth.

The British Council recently celebrated distinguished Nigerian professionals who have leveraged their UK education to create meaningful impact in social change, business, culture, and science.

The 2026 Study UK Alumni Awards, held in Lagos, brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry, alongside accomplished alumni whose contributions highlight the enduring value of UK higher education in Nigeria’s development.

Award Recipients

Social Action: Kola Alapinni was recognized for defending freedom of religion and belief. His work in high-profile blasphemy cases in Kano has led to overturned convictions and ongoing advocacy challenging restrictive laws.

Culture, Creativity & Sport: Yemisi Sophie Odusanya, popularly known as Sisi Yemmie, was honored for her digital storytelling and food media initiatives, which have amplified Nigerian cuisine and culture to a global audience.

Business & Innovation: Dimeji Sofowora received recognition for advancing healthcare technology across Africa. Helium Health has digitized millions of patient records and supported healthcare providers with financing solutions.

Science & Sustainability: Professor Abdulazeez Ahmed of Bayero University, Kano, was recognized for his work in hearing healthcare, including training and workforce development initiatives that improve access in underserved communities.

The awards also facilitated dialogue and networking, emphasizing the role of international education in tackling local and global challenges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Donna McGowan described the awards as a prestigious global platform. “Now in its 12th year, the initiative has attracted over 1,800 applications from alumni across more than 120 countries, representing over 110 UK universities, underscoring the global reach of UK education,” she said.

McGowan highlighted that UK-Nigeria academic exchange continues to strengthen research collaboration, innovation, and skills transfer, with alumni networks serving as vital conduits for cross-border partnerships.

The 2026 Study UK Alumni Awards reaffirm the transformative role of international education in fostering leadership, innovation, and social impact across Nigeria.