- She explained that many Nigerians have benefited from studies in Polish institutions
- She also stressed Nigeria’s efforts in addressing terrorism, piracy and transnational crimes
- Gawkowski described Nigeria as a strategic partner and one of Africa’s major centres for economic and technological development
The Federal Government has praised Poland for assisting Nigerian students displaced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing the support as a reflection of the strong ties between both nations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the commendation while receiving Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
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According to a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that about 6,000 Nigerians currently reside in Poland, many of them pursuing academic programmes.
She said Poland’s intervention during the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine enabled several Nigerian students to continue their education despite being displaced.
The minister described education as a key aspect of Nigeria-Poland relations, noting that both countries have sustained academic cooperation through technical and scientific exchange programmes.
She explained that many Nigerians have benefited from studies in Polish institutions, while Polish academics and researchers have also contributed to teaching and research activities in Nigerian universities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Poland, which began on May 30, 1962, adding that both countries were working to expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital innovation, agriculture, defence, infrastructure, education, culture and tourism.
She also stressed Nigeria’s efforts in addressing terrorism, piracy and transnational crimes, while calling for stronger collaboration in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity and counterterrorism initiatives.
The minister urged accelerated discussions on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking further, she highlighted ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that measures aimed at improving the business environment, increasing fiscal transparency and easing fund repatriation have created investment opportunities for foreign companies, including Polish firms.
In his remarks, Gawkowski described Nigeria as a strategic partner and one of Africa’s major centres for economic and technological development.
He reaffirmed Poland’s interest in expanding cooperation with Nigeria in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity and private sector growth.
The Polish official also commended Nigeria’s contribution to regional security, especially its efforts against terrorism.
He revealed that several Polish companies were exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria’s digital and infrastructure sectors and encouraged Nigerian businesses to seek partnerships in Poland.
Gawkowski further expressed Poland’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on emerging global issues, including cyber threats and the spread of disinformation.
Both countries agreed to deepen political engagement and strengthen economic, technological and people-to-people relations.
