The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Portugal following high-level engagements with the Portuguese Government and members of the Nigerian community during her official visit to Portugal.
On the sidelines of the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, the Honourable Minister held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Professor Paulo Rangel, Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The meeting reviewed the excellent state of relations between Nigeria and Portugal and explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, education, agriculture, defence cooperation, regional security and capacity building.
Both Ministers also discussed the establishment of a Nigeria-Portugal Joint Commission to strengthen political consultations, while reviewing progress towards the conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Double Taxation Agreement. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, sustainable development and enhanced collaboration within the framework of the Africa-European Union Partnership.
As part of her official engagements, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also met with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, where she commended them for their positive contributions to the socio-economic development of both Nigeria and Portugal. During the meeting, the Honourable Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, protection and consular support of Nigerians living abroad.
She urged members of the diaspora to remain united, law-abiding and worthy ambassadors of Nigeria while leveraging their expertise, investments and innovation to contribute to national development.
The engagements underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Portugal and enhancing cooperation with the Nigerian diaspora as vital partners in advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives, economic diplomacy and sustainable development agenda.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday 17, July 2026
