The federal government has announced plans to establish a joint economy and trade committee with Turkey to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion.
President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for a state visit to Turkey.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his country’s commitment to boosting trade during a joint press briefing with Tinubu.
Onanuga said the joint committee, announced during high-level talks, is expected to drive strategies to expand economic cooperation and increase trade volume from the current $1 billion.
Erdoğan said the presence of Tinubu, several ministers and high-ranking officials demonstrated Nigeria’s determination to attract investment.
“Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed president and his delegation in the fields of trade, investment, energy, education and the defence industry,” the Turkish president said.
Erdoğan praised Tinubu’s energy sector reforms, noting that they are restructuring Nigeria’s economy.
He expressed optimism that collaborations between Turkish and Nigerian energy firms, including the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, would yield positive results.
The Turkish president also pledged support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, citing Turkey’s experience in counter-insurgency and offering cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing and defence industry partnerships.
Tinubu, in his remarks, commended Turkey for its commitment to global freedom, stability and prosperity, while emphasising the importance of building an inclusive economy that prioritises vulnerable people.
“What is very important to the countries being discussed is trade, business and removing restrictions, while giving opportunities to those ready to learn, work and prosper,” Tinubu said.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform and get vulnerable people involved in the economy? How do we ensure peace in the world?”
The president added that Nigeria would continue to play its major role in promoting peace and stability in Africa, despite regional challenges.
Beyond the joint declaration establishing the economy and trade committee, Nigeria and Turkey signed eight additional agreements covering defence cooperation, diaspora policy and halal quality infrastructure.
The agreements also include collaborations in higher education, media, education and social services, with partnerships between institutions such as Turkey’s Diplomacy Academy and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Academy.
