Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria is prepared to enhance strategic relations with the Republic of Poland across key sectors, including defence cooperation, digital economy, agriculture, and maritime development. This was announced during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs of Poland, Dr Krzysztof Gawkowski, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shettima Highlights Economic Reforms
Shettima emphasized that Poland possesses notable comparative advantages in many sectors critical to Nigeria's economic transformation, stressing that both countries stand to benefit from stronger bilateral cooperation. “There is room for enhanced and mutually beneficial business relations between Nigeria and Poland. We believe more in productive partnerships than dependence on foreign aid,” he said. He asserted that President Bola Tinubu's administration has implemented major economic reforms that improved Nigeria's investment climate, including liberalizing the foreign exchange market, removing fuel subsidy, and harmonizing tax laws to ensure companies operating in Nigeria are not overtaxed.
The Vice President further described Poland as one of Europe's most progressive and strategic nations, citing its achievements in shipbuilding, maritime economy, defence production, digital innovation, and industrial development. He noted that there is significant room for improvement in bilateral relations in these critical sectors.
Poland Sees Nigeria as Strategic Partner
Earlier, Gawkowski described Nigeria as Poland's most strategic partner in Africa, noting that the country holds immense demographic and technological potential. He expressed optimism that the visit would open a new chapter in bilateral relations and create fresh momentum for collaboration in technology, innovation, and digitization.
Tunji-Ojo: Nigeria Open for Business
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also expressed Nigeria's readiness for foreign investments during a meeting with Gawkowski, Ambassador Michal Cygan, and other Polish officials in Abuja. According to the Ministry of Interior's spokesperson, Mary Ali, the minister said ongoing economic reforms are aimed at boosting investor confidence and improving the business environment. He cited reforms such as exchange rate unification, efforts to curb inflation, and the removal of fuel subsidy as measures to strengthen the economy.
“Nigeria is ready for international investments and key partnerships. Recent economic changes the Nigerian government has made, such as unifying exchange rates, trying to control inflation and taking away fuel subsidies, are meant to reshape the economy and make investors feel more confident. We look forward to formalizing our cooperation through official agreements and building practical solutions that will benefit both countries,” he said.
The minister described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland, adding that both countries were laying the foundation for a sustainable partnership. He said Nigeria is willing to deepen cooperation in areas such as border management, internal security, cybersecurity, innovation, technology transfer, and institutional capacity building.
