Foreign Affairs Minister Commends Poland for Sheltering Nigerian Students Displaced by Ukraine War
...Seeks more cooperation in trade, digital technology, maritime security, others
Nigeria has commended the Republic of Poland for sheltering Nigerian students displaced by the war in Ukraine, describing the support as a defining example of bilateral solidarity.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the commendation when she received Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy, Krzysztof Gawkowski, and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
“Education is a vital pillar of our bilateral relations,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
“We thank Poland for supporting Nigerian students affected by the conflict in Ukraine. This assistance has ensured that many young Nigerians could continue their studies despite the disruption,” she added.
She noted that Nigerians living in Poland are estimated at close to 6,000, with education remaining a strategic focus of ties between both countries,noting that through the Polish-Nigerian technical and scientific exchange programme, several Nigerians have trained in Polish universities, while Polish lecturers and scientists have taught in Nigerian institutions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria-Poland relations, which began on May 30, 1962, and said both countries would expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, agriculture, defence, infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism.
She also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime, and called for deeper collaboration on intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. She urged the quick conclusion of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between both countries.
“We are exploring new partnerships in trade, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, maritime security, defence, infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism,” she said.
The minister added that economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda have improved ease of doing business, enhanced fiscal transparency, eased repatriation of funds, and attracted foreign investment—creating incentives for Polish firms to expand operations in Nigeria.
Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski described Nigeria as a strategic partner and one of Africa’s leading economic and technology hubs. He reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and private sector development, and commended Nigeria’s role in regional stability, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
He said several Polish companies are looking to expand in Nigeria’s digital and infrastructure sectors, and invited Nigerian firms to explore opportunities in Poland.
He also expressed Poland’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria on emerging global challenges, including disinformation and cyber threats.
Both sides agreed to strengthen political consultations, economic and technological partnerships, and people-to-people relations.