Nigeria and Portugal have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations following high-level discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Paulo Rangel, during the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais.
The meeting reviewed the strong diplomatic ties between both countries and identified new areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, education, agriculture, defence cooperation, regional security and capacity building.
Both ministers also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Portugal Joint Commission to enhance political consultations and reviewed progress towards concluding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Double Taxation Agreement. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, security, sustainable development and stronger collaboration under the Africa-European Union Partnership framework.
As part of her official visit, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, where she praised their positive contributions to the socio-economic development of both Nigeria and Portugal.
The minister reassured Nigerians in the diaspora of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare, protection and access to consular services, urging them to remain united, law-abiding and exemplary ambassadors of the country.
She also encouraged them to channel their expertise, investments and innovations towards Nigeria’s national development, describing the diaspora as critical partners in advancing the country’s economic diplomacy and foreign policy objectives.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the engagements reflect Nigeria’s determination to deepen its strategic partnership with Portugal while strengthening collaboration with Nigerians abroad to drive sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
