Marcos welcomes Nigeria’s envoy as Philippines looks to deepen ties

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 01, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCO/FACEBOOK

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally welcomed Nigerian Ambassador-designate Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas during a ceremony at Malacañang on Tuesday, signaling efforts to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Nigeria.

Marcos received Ibas’ credentials and officially welcomed the envoy as he begins his diplomatic assignment in the country.

The President and the ambassador-designate later held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two nations.

The Philippines and Nigeria established diplomatic relations on August 1, 1962.

Their upcoming 65th anniversary in 2027 is expected to provide an opportunity to broaden exchanges and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The engagement highlights both countries’ efforts to sustain diplomatic ties and explore new areas of partnership.

As the Philippines and Nigeria approach 65 years of diplomatic relations, both sides are looking to turn decades of ties into stronger cooperation for the years ahead.