BY GODWIN OBI
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja on Saturday night after a State visit to Türkiye, where he held high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic, security and strategic cooperation between both countries.
The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 8:55 p.m.
He was received 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 the visit, President Tinubu met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, where both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, energy and counter-terrorism.
At a joint press briefing, President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to increasing bilateral trade with Nigeria to $5 billion, noting that discussions toward achieving the target were already underway. Current trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately $2 billion.
Erdogan said the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee would create new opportunities for expanding trade and boosting Turkish investments in Nigeria, describing the initiative as critical to achieving the $5 billion trade target.
He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms and investment attraction, noting that the participation of several Nigerian ministers and senior officials during the visit reflected that resolve.
The Turkish leader also commended reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, expressing optimism that collaboration between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would yield positive results.
On security, Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, and offered enhanced cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing and defence industry development.
In his remarks, President Tinubu thanked the Turkish government for its openness to deeper collaboration, stressing the importance of partnership in promoting global stability, freedom and shared prosperity.
He underscored the need for inclusive economic growth that integrates vulnerable groups into productive activities, while also commending Erdogan’s role in advancing peace initiatives, particularly in Somalia.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa despite ongoing regional security challenges.
At the conclusion of the visit, officials from both countries exchanged nine agreements, including a Joint Declaration establishing the Economy and Trade Joint Committee, as well as agreements covering defence cooperation, diaspora policy, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media and communication, education, diplomatic training and social services cooperation.
ADVERTISEMENTS
2026-01-31
