Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is open for business, as the Federal Government moves to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Poland in key sectors including digital economy, defence, agriculture and maritime development.
Shettima made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, Dr Krzysztof Gawkowski, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting foreign investment and long-term partnerships across different sectors of the economy.
According to him, Nigeria is ready to deepen cooperation with Poland, especially in industries where the European country has built strong global expertise.
“Nigeria is open for business,” Shettima said.
“Since assumption of office over two years ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unlocked the full potentials 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.”
The Vice President noted that Poland has recorded major industrial progress in areas such as ship-building, defence manufacturing, maritime economy and digital technology, adding that both countries can build stronger economic ties through mutually beneficial partnerships.
He stressed that Nigeria is more interested in strategic economic cooperation than dependence on foreign aid.
“There is room for enhanced mutually beneficial business relations between Nigeria and Poland. We believe in a truly beneficial relationship than on reliance on any country for aid,” he added.
Shettima also described Poland as one of the most progressive and strategic countries in Europe, assuring the Polish delegation of Nigeria’s willingness to improve bilateral cooperation.
The meeting comes as Nigeria continues to push for foreign investment and international partnerships following major economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange market liberalisation.
Speaking during the visit, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Gawkowski, described Nigeria as Poland’s most strategic partner in Africa.
According to him, Nigeria’s large population, growing technology ecosystem and economic potential make the country important for long-term cooperation and development.
He expressed optimism that the engagement between both countries would open a new phase of cooperation in innovation, digitisation and economic development.
The renewed talks between Nigeria and Poland are expected to further strengthen relations in technology, trade and industrial development as both countries seek new investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
