Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will pay an official visit to Türkiye from Jan. 26 to 28 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with talks set to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to Türkiye’s communications director.
In a statement shared Monday on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said President Tinubu’s visit will include high-level meetings on Tuesday aimed at reviewing the current state of Türkiye–Nigeria relations and exchanging views on regional and international issues. The discussions are also expected to culminate in the signing of several cooperation agreements designed to deepen ties between the two countries.
Duran noted that the visit’s agenda will extend beyond political dialogue to include economic and strategic engagement. A roundtable meeting between President Tinubu and Turkish business leaders is planned, alongside discussions with representatives of Türkiye’s defense industry. These meetings are intended to explore opportunities for increased investment, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration.
Earlier, the Nigerian presidency said the visit underscores Abuja’s intention to enhance bilateral ties with Ankara, particularly in the areas of security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation. Strategic talks are also expected to cover finance, communications, trade, and investment, reflecting the growing economic dimension of the relationship.
During the visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with senior Turkish officials, with memorandums of understanding anticipated in fields such as scientific research, energy, and military cooperation. Both sides see these agreements as a framework for long-term collaboration and capacity building, especially in sectors critical to national development and regional stability.
A joint business forum bringing together investors and private sector leaders from Nigeria and Türkiye will also be held on the sidelines of the visit. The forum is expected to facilitate networking, showcase investment opportunities, and encourage partnerships in infrastructure, manufacturing, and services.
President Tinubu’s trip comes as part of broader efforts by both countries to strengthen engagement between Africa and Türkiye. It also follows President Erdogan’s official visit to Nigeria in October 2021, which marked a significant step in elevating diplomatic and economic relations. Observers see the upcoming talks as an opportunity to further institutionalize cooperation and align shared strategic interests.
