President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Saturday night after a productive state visit to the Republic of Türkiye, where Nigeria and Türkiye strengthened diplomatic, economic, and security relations through top-level meetings and signed agreements.
The presidential aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 8:55 p.m. Tinubu was welcomed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and other senior government officials.
During his stay in Ankara, the President held bilateral discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as both leaders pledged closer cooperation in trade, investment, defence, energy and counter-terrorism.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to raise bilateral trade with Nigeria to $5 billion, from the present estimate of about $2 billion. He said talks were already ongoing to reach the target.
The Turkish leader disclosed plans to create a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which he described as an important platform for unlocking investment prospects, increasing trade volumes and expanding Turkish business presence in Nigeria.
Erdoğan commended President Tinubu’s economic reform programme and efforts to attract foreign investment, noting that the size of the Nigerian delegation showed strong political will to deepen bilateral relations.
He also welcomed reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector and expressed confidence that collaboration between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian institutions would deliver tangible outcomes.
On security, Erdoğan pledged Türkiye’s backing for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel, offering improved cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing and defence industry partnerships.
In his response, President Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its commitment to partnership in advancing global stability, freedom and shared prosperity. He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy that brings vulnerable populations into productive economic activity.
Tinubu also praised Erdoğan’s role in promoting peace, especially in Somalia, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability across Africa despite prevailing security challenges.
At the conclusion of the visit, officials from both countries exchanged nine agreements covering a Joint Declaration on the Economy and Trade Committee, defence cooperation, diaspora policy, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media and communication, education, diplomatic training and social services.
The agreements are expected to strengthen institutional cooperation and expand mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and Türkiye.
