Nigeria and Portugal have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through expanded cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, maritime security and digital innovation, underscoring growing Africa-Europe efforts to deepen economic and strategic partnerships.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during an official visit to Portugal, where she held talks with senior government officials and engaged with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
On the sidelines of the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, Odumegwu-Ojukwu met Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Paulo Rangel, to review bilateral relations and identify new areas for collaboration.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both ministers explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, education, agriculture, defence cooperation, regional security and capacity building.
The discussions also focused on plans to establish a Nigeria-Portugal Joint Commission, a mechanism aimed at strengthening political dialogue and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides reviewed progress toward concluding a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and a Double Taxation Agreement, measures expected to facilitate business activity, improve connectivity and encourage greater investment flows between the two economies.
The ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development, while supporting closer cooperation under the Africa-European Union Partnership framework.
Speaking during the engagements, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s determination to build stronger ties with Portugal through partnerships that deliver mutual economic and strategic benefits.
As part of her visit, the Nigerian foreign minister also met members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, commending their contributions to the social and economic development of both countries.
She assured them of the government’s commitment to their welfare, protection and access to effective consular services, while encouraging them to remain united, law-abiding and positive representatives of Nigeria abroad.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further urged the diaspora community to channel its expertise, investments and innovative ideas into Nigeria’s development efforts, highlighting the growing role of overseas Nigerians in supporting economic growth and knowledge transfer.
The renewed engagement reflects a broader trend of expanding cooperation between African and European nations in areas such as energy transition, maritime security, digital transformation and trade, as both regions seek stronger partnerships to address shared economic and security challenges.
