Raphael Oni
Nigeria and Turkiye are set to strengthen their strategic partnership following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to Ankara. The visit, hailed as historic by the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the visit, nine landmark agreements were signed, covering areas such as defence, media and communication, higher education, halal accreditation, and military cooperation. These agreements aim to boost trade, investment, and security cooperation between Nigeria and Turkiye.
The agreements include:
- Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO): to facilitate investment flows and remove trade barriers
- Military Cooperation Protocol: to enhance security collaboration and counter-terrorism efforts
- Education Cooperation Agreement: to expand academic exchange and institutional partnerships
- Halal Quality Infrastructure: to promote trade in halal products
The Nigerian government is optimistic about the visit’s outcomes, expecting increased Turkish investment in Nigeria’s economy and enhanced security cooperation. Turkiye, with its growing defence industry, is poised to support Nigeria’s efforts to address insurgency and enhance national security.
