Poland seeks stronger diplomatic, economic ties wiith Nigeria
Poland has expressed readiness to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria as part of renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between both countries. The Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Michal
Poland has expressed readiness to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria as part of renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between both countries.
The Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, Michal Cygan, made this known at an Ambassadorial Forum titled “Diplomatic and Economic Relations Between Nigeria & Poland” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.
Speaking before diplomats, academics, policy experts and members of the media, the envoy described relations between Nigeria and Poland, established in 1962, as historically friendly but not sufficiently intensive.
“They were always friendly and supportive, but not very intense. Honestly, we can tell it to ourselves that we have not been at all our most important strategic partners. And this is what we can try to change. This is my ambition to intensify these friendly and supportive relations,” he said.
The ambassador traced the evolution of bilateral ties to the Cold War period, noting that although Poland was then part of the Eastern Bloc, it maintained strong support for African liberation movements and self-determination.
He said Poland was proud of its legacy of supporting decolonisation and the liberalisation of African nations, describing it as a positive aspect of its foreign policy history.
Reflecting on Poland’s transition from a centrally planned socialist system to a democratic and market-driven economy after 1989, Cygan said the reform process was turbulent but transformative.
He recalled that in the 1980s, Poland experienced severe economic hardship, including food shortages, despite its agricultural potential. He contrasted that period with the country’s current economic strength, noting that Poland recorded about €50 billion in agro-export surplus last year.
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“The same country in the 80s could not even feed its own population because of the mismanagement of the system,” he said, adding that sustained reforms anchored on clear goals could produce positive long-term outcomes.
According to him, Poland’s accession to the European Union marked a new phase of development, providing stronger institutional capacity, improved technologies and expanded opportunities for global partnerships, including with African countries.
He noted that Poland and Nigeria share common democratic values and a commitment to market-driven economies, which provide a solid foundation for expanded cooperation.
Highlighting growing educational ties, the ambassador disclosed that over 4,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in Poland, describing the figure as a significant factor in strengthening people-to-people relations between both countries.
“To some extent, Poland was more exotic to Nigeria than Nigeria is to Poland,” he said, expressing optimism that academic and cultural exchanges would deepen mutual understanding.
He emphasised that Poland’s transformation was not merely economic but rooted in value-based and systemic reforms that restored agency to citizens and communities.
“Before being pro-economics, we are ethical and intellectual human beings. It’s important for us to know not just what to do, but why we do it,” he said.
The ambassador called for increased cooperation in diplomacy, trade, technology and intercultural exchange, signalling Poland’s readiness to re-engage Nigeria in a more strategic and meaningful manner.
