Nigeria and Portugal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, renewable energy, maritime security and digital innovation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed the commitment during her official visit to Portugal, where she held meetings with senior Portuguese officials and members of the Nigerian community.
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Minister, on the sidelines of the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, held bilateral talks with Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Paulo Rangel.
The statement noted that both ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, education, agriculture, defence cooperation, regional security and capacity building.
Both sides also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria–Portugal Joint Commission to strengthen political consultations and institutional collaboration between the two countries.
The ministers reviewed progress towards the conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Double Taxation Agreement. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, sustainable development and closer cooperation under the Africa–European Union Partnership.
Speaking during the engagements, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Portugal and advancing mutually beneficial partnerships.
As part of her official engagements, the Minister met with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, commending them for their positive contributions to the socio-economic development of both Nigeria and Portugal.
She assured them of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to their welfare, protection and the provision of efficient consular services.
The Minister also urged Nigerians residing in Portugal to remain united, law-abiding and worthy ambassadors of the country, while encouraging them to channel their expertise, investments and innovative ideas towards Nigeria’s national development.
