Polish-Nigerian memorandum on agricultural cooperation
07.09.2022
Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ryszard Bartosik participated in Polish President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Africa. First, the Polish delegation went to Nigeria. An essential highlight of the visit to Abuja by Deputy Minister Ryszard Bartosik’s signing of a memorandum on Polish-Nigerian cooperation in agriculture.
That is the first official visit of a Polish President to Nigeria in 60 years, namely since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.
Memorandum on cooperation
"We hope that the implementation of the provisions of this document will contribute to the intensification of bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector regarding both the development of trade in agri-food goods and the strengthening of scientific and research relations," said Deputy Minister Bartosik.
The memorandum, signed by Deputy Minister Bartosik and a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture's leadership in Nigeria in a similar position, is also part of the implementation of the agreement on strategic dialogue with Nigeria (Nigeria is the only African country bound with Poland with such an agreement). It will be crucial for ensuring food security.
Topic of the talks
During talks with Nigerian partners, it was emphasised that cooperation with countries that have so far imported food from Ukraine is crucial for Poland, especially in the current geopolitical situation. Undoubtedly Russia is trying to bring about a global food security crisis. In this context, the interest of Polish agri-food companies in the Nigerian market and the readiness to expand the Polish export offer were highlighted.
Trade with Nigeria
Poland has a positive balance in agri-food trade with Nigeria. In 2021, agri-food exports to Nigeria amounted to over EUR 24 million. The primary export commodities are milk and cream powder, roasted malt, food preparations and whey. According to preliminary data, in January-June 2022, the value of exports to Nigeria amounted to EUR 46.6 million (compared to approx. EUR 5.8 million in the same period in 2021).