The Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in good health and that his planned state visit to the Republic of Türkiye is proceeding as scheduled, a presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.
The update was shared by Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, via his verified social media account. The statement followed the commencement of the official visit in Ankara, where Tinubu is engaging with Turkish officials on bilateral relations.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday, January 26, 2026, for the state visit, accompanied by senior government officials. The delegation includes ministers responsible for foreign affairs, finance, defence, interior affairs, women’s affairs and other strategic portfolios.
Upon arrival in Ankara, Tinubu was received by a Turkish government delegation led by Mr Yusuf Tekin, Turkey’s Minister of National Education. Nigerian diplomatic officials, including the Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Türkiye, also welcomed the president.
The Presidency said the visit aims to deepen diplomatic ties and expand cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye across several sectors. Scheduled engagements include high-level bilateral meetings and consultations with senior Turkish officials.
According to the Presidency, the discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in strategic areas such as trade, investment, security, energy and broader economic development. Memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed to formalise agreements on shared interests.
A business forum featuring Nigerian and Turkish investors is also planned on the sidelines of the visit. The event is intended to explore opportunities for mutual economic growth and strengthen private sector engagement between the two countries.
The state visit has attracted public attention, including a query from Paul O. Ibe, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He questioned the lack of a specified return date for the president’s trip, urging clearer communication on timelines.
The Presidency has not yet published an official itinerary of the full visit or its duration. However, officials reiterated that the visit is part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic engagement agenda.
The Presidency affirmed that President Bola Tinubu is well and that his state visit to Türkiye is progressing according to plan. The visit is designed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye in key economic and strategic sectors.
