Contact between Poland and Nigeria have distant roots in the past. In the 19th century, Polish explorer Stefan Szolc-Rogozinski, traversed Nigerian lands on an attempt to create a Polish colony in Cameroon.[1] After World War II, many Poles decided to settle permanently in Nigeria.[1]
On 1 October 1960, Nigeria obtained its independence from the United Kingdom. Soon afterwards, Nigeria and Poland established diplomatic relations. In 1963, Poland opened a resident embassy in Lagos (it would later relocate to Abuja in 2002).[2] In 1969, Nigeria opened an embassy in Warsaw.[3] During the Nigerian Civil War, Poland supported the Nigerian Federal Government.[2] A cultural cooperation agreement between Nigeria and Poland was signed in Warsaw in 1976.[4]
During the 1980s, there was stagnation in diplomatic relations between both nations. This was due to political and economic difficulties in Nigeria at the time (drop in oil prices and military upheavals) and political unease and the Solidarity movement in Poland. In the 1990s, sporadic political contacts were maintained.[2]
Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Poland have been marked by mutual cooperation and support for each other in international forums. Poland regards Nigeria as one of its most important trade partners in Africa, south of the Sahara.[3]
Both nations have signed a few bilateral agreements such as a Trade Agreement (1962); Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations (2012); Agreement on Strategic Partnership (2013); and a Cooperation Agreement (2013).[3][5]
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