Fresh efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture have received a boost following a new cooperation agreement between Nigeria and Poland covering border security, emergency response, civil defence and correctional reforms.
The agreement was reached during high-level talks in Warsaw between Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Poland’s Interior Minister, Marcin Kierwiński.
The meeting followed an earlier engagement in Abuja with a Polish delegation led by Krzysztof Gawkowski.
According to Tunji-Ojo, both countries agreed to expand cooperation in internal security and civil protection, with particular emphasis on strengthening border management, intelligence sharing and efforts to combat transnational crimes.
The discussions also focused on improving fire and rescue services through the exchange of expertise, specialised training programmes and best practices aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities in both countries.
As part of the partnership, Nigeria and Poland pledged to deepen collaboration in civil defence and the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, with the goal of improving resilience against emerging security threats.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a Technical Working Group that will develop a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation. The group is expected to identify priority areas, outline implementation timelines and recommend mechanisms for sustained collaboration between both countries.
The two sides further discussed correctional reforms and human rights issues, agreeing that future engagements in those areas would be guided by international standards and the rule of law.
Tunji-Ojo said the partnership reflects Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices in strengthening national security and public safety, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Nigerian delegation included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap; Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, 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 expressed confidence that the collaboration would enhance security coordination, improve emergency preparedness and contribute to safer communities across Nigeria.
