Nigeria has further strengthened its bilateral relationship with Poland, aiming to boost the nation's economy and other critical sectors. This development was announced by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Saturday via her official X account, following her meeting with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister, Krzysztof Gawkowski, in Abuja on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Deepening Historical Ties
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that both nations are committed to deepening the bilateral ties first established in 1962. She emphasized educational exchanges and support for Nigerian students affected by the Ukraine conflict as key areas of cooperation. The minister noted that approximately 6,000 Nigerians reside in Poland, with education serving as a strategic pillar of the bilateral relationship. Nigeria has benefited from the Polish-Nigerian technical and scientific exchange program, which has trained numerous Nigerians in Polish universities, while Polish lecturers and scientists have taught at Nigerian institutions.
Gratitude for Student Support
The visit also provided an opportunity to thank Poland for its support of Nigerian students impacted by the Ukraine crisis. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated, "Nigeria-Poland relations began on 30 May 1962 and have remained very cordial. The Nigerian government is committed to strengthening relations between Nigeria and Poland in different sectors of the economy."
New Areas of Cooperation
Discussions during the meeting focused on new partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, cybersecurity, maritime security, defense, infrastructure, trade, and tourism. Gawkowski described Nigeria as a key African economic and technology hub, expressing interest in expanding Polish firms' operations in the country. The minister explained, "We are also exploring new partnerships in trade, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, maritime security, defense, infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism."
Alignment with Renewed Hope Agenda
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the visit aligns with Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda reforms, which aim to improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment. She said, "The economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda have continued to improve ease of doing business and to attract foreign investment, an incentive for Polish firms to expand operations in Nigeria." Gawkowski, who led a strong delegation, reaffirmed Poland's commitment to cooperation in AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and private sector development, while commending Nigeria's role in regional stability. He noted that several Polish companies want to expand in Nigeria's digital and infrastructure sectors and invited Nigerian firms to explore opportunities in Poland.
Future Prospects
Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured that Nigeria and Poland will continue to strengthen political consultations, economic and technology partnerships, and people-to-people links. This deepened relationship is expected to bring mutual benefits, fostering economic growth and technological advancement for both nations.
