President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye announced on Tuesday that his country aimed to achieve a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, more than double the current $2 billion. Discussions to realize this target have already begun, he said, during a joint press briefing with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of Tinubu’s State Visit to Ankara.
According to a release signed Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Nigerian delegation highlighted the significance of the visit in strengthening economic, security, and social cooperation between the two countries. Onanuga noted that the discussions covered trade, investments, energy, education, and defence industry, reflecting both nations’ commitment to deepening ties.
President Erdogan emphasized that Turkey currently exports planes, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, and chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and agricultural products to Türkiye. He added that the newly established Joint Economy and Trade Committee would provide a framework to expand Turkish investments in Nigeria and help achieve the trade target.
The Turkish President praised Nigeria’s strides in the energy sector and expressed hope that collaboration between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and its Nigerian counterparts would yield fruitful outcomes. On security, President Erdogan pledged support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, citing Türkiye’s experience with similar challenges, and highlighted plans for closer military training and intelligence cooperation.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its willingness to collaborate in promoting global freedom, stability, and shared prosperity. He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy that empowers vulnerable populations and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa.
The bilateral meeting concluded with the signing of multiple agreements across trade, defence, education, media, and social development sectors, further cementing cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye.
