The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Turkey, with a focus on visa facilitation, business mobility and consular cooperation.
Tunji-Ojo stated this on Tuesday while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja. He described the engagement as timely and substantive, noted that the long-standing historical and cultural ties between both countries provide a strong platform for deeper collaboration.
The minister said Nigeria is pursuing a smart, structured and practical approach to international cooperation that promotes people-to-people contact and supports legitimate business activities, stressing that effective visa administration remains central to achieving these goals.
Ambassador Poroy, in his remarks, highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey. He explained that following collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior, Turkish visa applications are now processed locally, enabling verified businesspersons to receive approvals within three to four days.
The envoy, however, expressed concerns over challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking Nigerian visas for trade fairs, investments and other commercial engagements. He noted inconsistencies in information regarding Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to ensure accurate guidance for applicants.
Poroy also appealed for Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system, citing logistical difficulties caused by the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul, which currently requires applicants to travel to Ankara. He said inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly ease business travel and enhance bilateral trade.
Responding, Tunji-Ojo assured that it is not in the interest of either country to deny visas to genuine businesspeople. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and continuous improvement in visa administration, while reiterating Nigeria’s openness to credible investors and international business partners.
The meeting also touched on the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. Tunji-Ojo clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and do not require additional verification. Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review the Turkish Embassy’s procedures.
Both parties agreed to sustain engagement to further strengthen diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey.
