Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening relations with Nigeria, highlighting opportunities for expanded cooperation in defence, trade, education, humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange as the two countries mark 66 years of diplomatic relations. Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, outlined the areas of growing partnership between both countries during a press gathering organised by the Embassy of Türkiye in Abuja on Monday, November 9, to commemorate the anniversary.
On defence cooperation, the ambassador disclosed that 200 Nigerian Special Forces personnel were undergoing a two-month training programme in Türkiye, describing the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of Nigeria’s security forces. He also revealed that discussions were ongoing on the possibility of establishing a military training facility in Nigeria, alongside opportunities for local production of defence equipment.
Trade partnership targets $5bn, with both countries working towards increasing bilateral trade from approximately $2 billion to $5 billion. The target follows President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Türkiye in January 2026, during which the two countries signed nine agreements and memoranda of understanding covering strategic areas of mutual interest.
Addressing concerns over the suspension of electronic visa (e-Visa) issuance to Nigerian passport holders, Poroy attributed the decision to the discovery of forged Schengen, United Kingdom and United States visas on the passports of some applicants. He explained that possession of valid visas from these countries had previously been one of the conditions for eligible Nigerians to obtain Turkish e-Visas.
Beyond contemporary diplomatic relations, Türkiye and Nigeria share historical connections dating back several centuries, particularly between the Ottoman Empire and the Kanem-Borno Sultanate. Poroy drew attention to historical correspondence between Ottoman Sultan Murad III and Malik Idris, dated May 29, 1577, as evidence of diplomatic engagement between the two authorities in the 16th century.
The ambassador also highlighted Türkiye’s humanitarian engagement in Nigeria, disclosing that Turkish non-governmental organisations and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation spent approximately $5 million on humanitarian activities in the country in the preceding year. The interventions included food and meat distribution in Abuja, Kano, Adamawa and Yobe states, supporting vulnerable households and communities.
Education and cultural diplomacy also featured among the areas identified for stronger bilateral engagement, with Poroy expressing hope that the e-Visa facility could be restored during his tenure. He also announced plans to establish a Turkish visa application centre in Kano before the end of 2026 to make services more accessible to residents of Northern Nigeria.
Key points
- Türkiye aims to increase bilateral trade with Nigeria to $5 billion
- 200 Nigerian Special Forces personnel are undergoing a two-month training programme in Türkiye
- Türkiye spent approximately $5 million on humanitarian activities in Nigeria in the preceding year
