President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye will fast-track cooperation in trade, energy and defence.
The Nigerian leader made the disclosure during his state visit to Türkiye, saying the agreement aims to deliver practical benefits for citizens of both countries.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday via his official social media account while in Ankara, where he held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
He said discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations and expanding economic engagement.
Tinubu said both countries agreed on the need to expand trade volumes and address structural barriers that have limited business growth.
He stated that the leaders are working toward a target of a $5 billion trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye, reflecting stronger commercial ties.
The President said the planned expansion of cooperation covers trade facilitation, energy projects and defence partnerships. He described the talks as practical and aimed at creating jobs, promoting investment and delivering opportunities for citizens of both nations.
Tinubu also announced the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee to coordinate implementation of agreed measures and attract fresh investment to both economies. He said the committee would support industrial growth, technology transfer and enhanced private sector participation.
In outlining the scope of cooperation, Tinubu emphasised defence engagement as part of the broader partnership. He said close collaboration on security matters will strengthen responses to shared challenges, including counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability.
The President said Türkiye’s experience in defence and counterterrorism would reinforce Nigeria’s efforts to address security challenges at home and across West Africa.
The discussions between the two leaders culminated in the signing of nine bilateral agreements covering a range of sectors such as diaspora policy, higher education, halal accreditation, media and communication, military cooperation and social affairs.
These agreements aim to strengthen institutional ties and provide frameworks for ongoing cooperation in areas beyond trade and security, including cultural, educational and communications exchanges.
The intensified engagement signals a deepening of strategic relations between Nigeria and Türkiye. Both countries have agreed to align their economic and security priorities to enhance mutual growth and stability.
Economic data show that Nigeria became Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025 when energy trade is included, with bilateral trade valued at over $680 million in the first 11 months of that year.
President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that Nigeria and Türkiye will accelerate cooperation in trade, energy and defence.
The leaders agreed to work toward a targeted $5 billion trade volume and signed multiple agreements to formalise expanded collaboration across key sectors.
