Nigeria ready to partner with Poland on digital economy, defence, others – Shettima

Nigeria has expressed readiness to partner with the Republic of Poland in different sectors of the economy, including defence, digital economy, among others

Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Krzysztof Gawkowski, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima listed several areas for cooperation between both countries, including defence, digital economy, agriculture and other sectors where Poland has shown a remarkable comparative advantage, noting that “there is room for improved relations between our countries.”

Stanley Nkwocha, Spokesman for the Vice President, in a statement, said Shettima told the Polish envoy that Nigeria is open for business, noting that “since assumption of office over two years ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unlocked the full potential of the Nigerian economy.

“We have liberalised the foreign exchange market; we have removed subsidy on petroleum products; we have harmonised our tax laws such that companies coming into Nigeria will not be overtaxed, and there is room for improvement in our relationship in critical areas,” he added.

Speaking further about the potential for partnership with Poland, Shettima maintained that Nigeria has several areas it can benefit from Poland, which is an industry leader in many areas of the economy, including ship-building, maritime economy, defence industries, digital economy and several other areas.

He said, “There is room for enhanced mutually beneficial business relations between Nigeria and Poland. We believe in a truly beneficial relationship rather than reliance on any country for aid.”

Lauding the country’s positive development journey, the Vice President described Poland as one of the most progressive and strategic nations in Europe, assuring improved cooperation with the government and people of Nigeria.

Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister, Gawkowski, said that over the years, Nigeria has remained Poland’s most strategic partner in Africa.

He also described Nigeria as a country with enormous demographic and technological potential, as well as Poland’s partner for development and long-term cooperation.

He expressed optimism that the visit would signal new momentum for cooperation in the areas of the economy, innovation, and digitisation.