The vice-ministers discussed the current state of Polish-Nigerian cooperation in agriculture and perspectives for its development, emphasising among other things the yet untapped potential of mutual relations. Secretary of State Giżyński expressed the hope for close cooperation with Nigeria – a promising and significant economic partner for Poland.

Vice-Minister Aduda spoke highly of the Polish achievements in modernising agriculture, and expressed his interest in drawing on Poland’s experiences in this matter. He explained that Nigeria was moving away from an economy based solely on exploration of oil and natural gas. Nigerian authorities want to help rebuild the agricultural sector, which was once of immense importance for the country. In particular, Vice-Minister Aduda pointed out that Nigerian agriculture needed the know-how as well as modern production technologies that would ensure optimal efficiency in such areas as the dairy industry and cattle breeding. Vice-Minister Giżyński assured Secretary Aduda that the research institutes supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development were ready to share their knowledge and experience in many aspects, addressing the needs of Nigerian agriculture.

Another significant topic was the opportunity to increase mutual turnover in agri-food trade. Secretary of State Giżyński noted that the elimination of barriers was a necessary step, and that the potential increase in the value of trade in agri-food products depended on that. He also emphasised that there was a need to lift the current restrictions affecting the access of Polish agri-food products to the Nigerian market as soon as possible.

Chief Veterinary Officer of the Republic of Poland Mirosław Welz, who was also present at the meeting, as well as his deputy Krzysztof Jażdżewski reiterated the key demands pertaining to the access of Polish agri-food products to the Nigerian market as regards agreeing on veterinary health certificates for various animal-based products. The Nigerian delegation was also informed that Polish producers were interested in expanding the range of products exported to the Nigerian market, adding various meats.

The participants expressed their will and readiness to increase contacts and support mutual initiatives which contribute to the development of the agricultural industries in both countries. In this context, they confirmed their interest in concluding in the near future A Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture, which is currently subject to bilateral negotiations. Vice-ministers Giżyński and Aduda expressed their belief that signing this document would give an impetus to closer and more dynamic Polish-Nigerian relations, especially given that the document would encapsulate the potential for deeper cooperation in many areas, such as: plant production, animal health and breeding, research and innovation, and promotion of joint ventures undertaken by representatives of Polish and Nigerian business.

Nigeria is a significant buyer of Polish agri-food products in Africa. Poland has a positive trade balance with Nigeria when it comes to agri-food products, at EUR 25.9 million in 2020. In 2020, the value of Polish exports to Nigeria was EUR 31.2 million. Polish exports to Nigeria mostly include wheat, milk, and dairy products.