By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ankara, Türkiye — Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have set an ambitious target of $5 billion in annual trade volume, as Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Recep Tayyip Erdogan moved to deepen economic, security and diplomatic ties between both countries during a high-level state visit in Ankara on Tuesday.
President Erdogan disclosed the target during a joint press briefing with President Tinubu, noting that discussions to scale up bilateral trade have already commenced. Current trade relations between the two nations stand at approximately $2 billion annually, indicating what both leaders described as vast untapped potential.
Türkiye currently exports aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel products, and chemicals to Nigeria, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and agricultural products to Türkiye. According to Erdogan, the newly established Joint Economy and Trade Committee will serve as a critical platform for expanding Turkish investments in Nigeria and fast-tracking the trade target.
“We see significant potential in the fields of trade and investment,” Erdogan said. “Our commitment today is to the $5 billion trade volume target, and we discussed the concrete steps required to achieve it. The Joint Economy and Trade Committee we agreed to establish will be instrumental.”
Energy, Defence and Investment Focus
President Erdogan praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector, describing them as crucial to Nigeria’s broader economic restructuring. He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian energy institutions would deliver measurable outcomes.
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Security cooperation also featured prominently in the talks, with Erdogan pledging Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and terrorism, drawing from Ankara’s own experience.
“Terrorist organisations, especially in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a serious threat to continental peace,” Erdogan said. “We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under President Tinubu’s leadership.”
He added that both leaders explored deeper collaboration in military training, intelligence sharing, and defence technology, with Nigerian officials scheduled to meet Turkish defence industry leaders during the visit.
Tinubu: Trade Without Barriers, Growth Without Exclusion
In his response, President Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its openness and readiness to collaborate on issues of global peace, economic development and shared prosperity. He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to building an inclusive economy that empowers vulnerable populations.
“What is very important is trade and business without restrictions—giving opportunity to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper,” Tinubu said. “How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform the economy and involve vulnerable people?”
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force in Africa, despite internal security challenges, and stressed the country’s determination to defeat terrorism and other agents of destabilisation.
He also commended President Erdogan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting peace, particularly in Somalia, describing them as a model of responsible global leadership.
Nine Agreements Signed
At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, officials from both countries signed nine cooperation agreements, covering critical areas of governance and development. These include:
Defence Cooperation
Establishment of the Joint Economy and Trade Committee
Diaspora Policy Cooperation
Halal Quality Infrastructure
Higher Education Cooperation
Media and Communication Cooperation
Education Cooperation
Diplomatic Training Cooperation between both countries’ Foreign Affairs Academies
Social Services and Women Affairs Cooperation
Observers say the agreements signal a renewed strategic partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye, with implications for trade expansion, job creation, security cooperation and human capital development.
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The visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone for President Tinubu, as Nigeria seeks stronger partnerships beyond traditional allies while positioning itself as a key economic and security player in Africa.
