Nigeria and Türkiye have set an ambitious target to grow bilateral trade to $5 billion as both nations signed nine key agreements covering defence, trade, education and social development.
The development followed high-level talks between President Bola Tinubu and his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara on Tuesday during Tinubu’s state visit to the European nation.
President Erdogan disclosed the trade target during a joint press briefing with Tinubu, noting that both leaders held extensive discussions on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
“We conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed president and his delegation in the fields of trade, investments, energy, education and the defence industry,” Erdogan said.
He noted that both countries see significant untapped potential in trade and investment, adding that the newly agreed Joint Economy and Trade Committee would play a central role in expanding Turkish investments in Nigeria and achieving the $5 billion trade goal.
“In our meetings today, we reaffirmed our commitment to reaching a $5 billion trade volume and discussed the necessary steps to achieve this. The Joint Economy and Trade Committee we agreed to establish will be instrumental in this regard,” the Turkish leader stated.
Erdogan also praised Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the energy sector and expressed optimism that collaboration between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would deliver positive outcomes.
On security, the Turkish President pledged support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in light of growing threats in Africa’s Sahel region.
“Terrorist organisations emerging, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent. We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu,” Erdogan said.
He added that both sides discussed opportunities for deeper cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, stressing Türkiye’s readiness to share its experience in combating insurgency.
In his remarks, President Tinubu commended Erdogan for his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting global stability and prosperity.
Tinubu emphasised the need for an inclusive economic partnership that creates opportunities for citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
“What is very important is trade and business without restrictions, giving opportunities to those ready to learn, work and prosper. How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we carry vulnerable people along in our reforms?” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa despite prevailing security challenges.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of nine bilateral agreements, including an Agreement on Defence Cooperation, a Joint Declaration establishing the Economy and Trade Joint Committee, and an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Diaspora Policy.
Other agreements covered Halal Quality Infrastructure, Higher Education, Media and Communication, Education, cooperation between the foreign affairs training institutions of both countries, and collaboration between Türkiye’s Ministry of Social Services and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Analysts say the new agreements signal a deepening of Nigeria–Türkiye relations, with both countries seeking to expand economic ties while strengthening cooperation in security and social development.
