Nigeria, Poland deepen cooperation on digital economy, defence, agriculture

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is ready to strengthen strategic relations with Poland across key sectors, including defence, digital economy, agriculture and maritime development.

Shettima made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, Dr Krzysztof Gawkowski, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said Nigeria and Poland stand to benefit from deeper bilateral cooperation, noting that both countries share complementary strengths.

“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,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also highlighted ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying they have improved Nigeria’s investment climate.

“Since assuming office over two years ago, Tinubu has unlocked the full potential of the Nigerian economy. We have liberalised the foreign exchange market, removed fuel subsidy and harmonised tax laws to ensure companies operating in Nigeria are not overtaxed,” he added.

Shettima described Poland as a key European partner with strong capabilities in shipbuilding, maritime economy, defence production and digital innovation.

Earlier, Dr Gawkowski described Nigeria as Poland’s most strategic partner in Africa, expressing optimism that the visit would open new opportunities in technology, innovation and digitisation.

Also speaking, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Nigeria remains open to international investments and strategic partnerships under President Tinubu’s leadership.

According to him, ongoing reforms such as exchange rate unification, subsidy removal and inflation control are aimed at strengthening investor confidence and improving the business environment.

“Nigeria is ready for international investments and key partnerships… These reforms are meant to reshape the economy and make investors feel more confident,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo added that Nigeria is willing to expand cooperation with Poland in areas such as border management, cybersecurity, innovation, technology transfer and internal security.