By Obinna Uballa
President Bola Tinubu concluded a state visit to Turkey has yielded with the signing of nine bilateral agreements, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed his country’s ambition to reach a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, Erdogan highlighted the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee between the two nations, designed to expand Turkish investments in Nigeria and create pathways for deeper cooperation.
The Turkish leader commended Tinubu’s commitment to attracting investment, noting that the Nigerian president’s delegation, which included several ministers and high-ranking officials, reflected the seriousness of his administration’s economic agenda.
“Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations in trade, investments, energy, education, and the defence industry,” Erdogan said. “We see significant potential in trade and investment. Our commitment is to a $5 billion trade target, and we discussed steps to support Turkish investments in Nigeria. The Joint Economy and Trade Committee will be instrumental in this regard.”
Erdogan also praised Tinubu’s efforts in the energy sector, which have contributed to restructuring the Nigerian economy. On security, he offered Turkey’s support in combating terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, pointing to his country’s extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations.
“Terrorist organisations emerging in Africa’s Sahel region threaten the peace of the entire continent. We stand by the people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism,” he said. Plans for closer collaboration in military training and intelligence sharing were also highlighted.
Tinubu, in response, expressed gratitude for Turkey’s openness to collaboration, framing the partnerships as essential to building inclusive economies that empower vulnerable populations.
“Trade and business must be unrestricted. We must give opportunities to those willing to learn, work, and prosper,” he said, underscoring Nigeria’s continued role in promoting peace and stability in Africa despite regional instability. He also commended Turkey’s ongoing efforts to promote peace in Somalia.
The nine agreements exchanged during the visit span multiple sectors, from defence cooperation and diaspora policy to education, media, halal quality infrastructure, and social development. Notable agreements include the Joint Declaration Establishing the Economy and Trade Committee, cooperation between Turkey’s Diplomacy Academy and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and collaboration between the Ministries of Social Services and Women Affairs.
The visit signals a renewed and deepening partnership between Nigeria and Turkey, with both nations poised to leverage trade, investment, security, and social development as pillars of a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship.
