By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Portugal have restated their commitment to expanding bilateral relations following high-level engagements between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and senior Portuguese officials during her official visit to Portugal.
According to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the discussions, held on the sidelines of the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, also included an interactive meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, underscoring Nigeria’s renewed focus on economic diplomacy and diaspora engagement. 
During a bilateral meeting with Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Paulo Rangel, both countries reviewed the state of their longstanding relationship and identified new areas for collaboration.
The talks centred on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, agriculture, education, defence, regional security and capacity building.
The two ministers also examined plans to establish a Nigeria–Portugal Joint Commission aimed at strengthening political consultations between both countries. They further reviewed progress towards concluding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Double Taxation Agreement, while reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, sustainable development and closer cooperation under the Africa–European Union Partnership framework.
As part of her visit, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon, where she praised their contributions to the economic and social development of both Nigeria and Portugal.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad, assuring them of continued consular support.
The minister urged members of the diaspora to remain united, law-abiding and to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria wherever they reside.
She also encouraged them to deploy their knowledge, investments and innovative ideas towards Nigeria’s national development.
The visit reflects Nigeria’s determination to deepen its strategic partnership with Portugal while strengthening ties with Nigerians in the diaspora, whom it described as key partners in advancing the country’s foreign policy, economic diplomacy and sustainable development objectives.
