Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria and Poland have taken steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation in internal security, border management, civil protection, and correctional reforms following high-level engagements between officials of both countries in Warsaw.
The agreement was reached during a strategic visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, who held discussions with Poland’s Minister of Interior, His Excellency Marcin Kierwiński, after an earlier meeting in Abuja with a Polish delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, His Excellency Krzysztof Gawkowski.
The talks focused on expanding collaboration in critical areas of internal security and civil protection. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing border security through improved border management systems, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts to combat transnational crime.
The discussions also explored opportunities for cooperation in fire and rescue services, with both sides agreeing to promote the exchange of expertise, training programmes, and best practices aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities.
A key outcome of the engagement was the decision to establish a Technical Working Group that will develop a comprehensive framework for cooperation, identify priority areas of partnership, set implementation timelines, and create mechanisms for sustained collaboration between both nations.
The two countries further underscored the importance of civil defence, protection of critical national assets, correctional reforms, and the promotion of human rights, agreeing that future engagements would be guided by international standards and the rule of law.
The Nigerian delegation included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap; Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel; and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
The Minister said the partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices that will enhance security, strengthen institutions, and improve safety for citizens.
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