Nigeria and Portugal: What’s the connection? | The Guardian Nigeria News

Nigeria and Portugal have more in common than you might think. Although thousands of miles apart, the two countries share an important connection through their news cycles and current affairs. From Portuguese business investments in Nigeria to the increasing presence of Nigerian immigrants in Portugal, it’s clear that the two countries have multiple shared interests.

The History of Nigeria and Portugal

Nigeria and Portugal have a long and complicated history that dates back to the 16th century. The first recorded contact between Portugal and what is now known as Nigeria occurred in 1472 when the Portuguese explorer, Lançarote de Freitas, sailed down the Niger River. This marked the beginning of centuries of Portuguese trading and exploration in the region. In the late 18th century, the British took control of Nigeria. But many aspects of the Portuguese culture remain in Nigeria, as seen in the language and cuisine. There are also some cultural similarities between the two countries, such as the use of traditional medicines.

The Portuguese Language in Nigeria

Portuguese is still spoken today in certain parts of Nigeria, particularly in the south. It has a strong presence in the Niger Delta region and is used as a lingua franca among people from various ethnic backgrounds. In 2019, the Nigerian government even announced plans to make it an official language in the country. This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen the nation’s ties with other African countries. Nigeria hopes to build closer relations with Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe—all of which are former Portuguese colonies.

Nigerian Cuisine with a Portuguese Twist

Nigerian cuisine has been influenced by many other cultures over the years, one of which is Portugal. In Nigeria, it is not uncommon to find Portuguese-inspired dishes. Many of these dishes combine both Nigerian and Portuguese flavours in unique and delicious ways. One example is Jollof Rice, a traditional Nigerian dish made popular by the Portuguese when they brought it to the region. It is commonly served with fried plantains and other side dishes. Another example of a Nigerian dish with a Portuguese twist is Moi Moi.

Current Affairs connecting Nigeria and Portugal

Nigeria and Portugal have a strong bond of mutual understanding and cooperation that extends far beyond their common cultural heritage. In 2010, Nigeria and Portugal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the framework for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas such as culture, education, sports, science and technology. In recent years, both countries have held several high-level meetings to discuss important issues such as trade and investment. Both nations are also significant players in global oil production and exploration.

The future of the Portuguese-Nigeria relationship

Nigeria and Portugal have been strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, security and education, among others. The two countries are also taking steps to increase cultural exchanges. Nigerian students are studying Portuguese at Portuguese universities, while Portuguese students are participating in student exchange programs at Nigerian universities. In addition, Nigerians and Portuguese citizens are engaging in more frequent travel between their respective countries, promoting increased dialogue and understanding between both the societies.