President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Turkey, in a move aimed at further strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit is part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation across critical sectors such as security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.
The statement explained that the visit builds on the momentum generated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Nigeria in October 2021, which marked a significant milestone in the relationship between Abuja and Ankara.
During the state visit, President Tinubu and Turkish authorities are expected to engage in high-level political and diplomatic discussions centered on shared priorities, including finance, communication, trade, and investment. These engagements are intended to expand collaboration and unlock new opportunities for both countries.
The visit will also feature meetings involving senior government officials from Nigeria and Turkey, alongside the signing of several memoranda of understanding. The agreements are expected to cover areas such as scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military collaboration, and diplomatic protocol.
On the economic front, a business forum will be organised on the sidelines of the visit, bringing together Nigerian and Turkish investors to explore avenues for increased trade, investment, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Members of the Nigerian delegation expected to take part in the bilateral engagements include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Jimi Benson.
Also on the President’s entourage are the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Suleiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.
What you should know
President Tinubu’s visit to Turkey underscores Nigeria’s renewed focus on strengthening strategic international partnerships under his administration.
Turkey has emerged as an important partner for Nigeria in areas such as defence, trade, aviation, and technology. The expected signing of multiple agreements and the planned business forum highlight efforts to translate diplomatic relations into tangible economic and developmental outcomes.
The visit also reflects Nigeria’s broader foreign policy goal of expanding cooperation beyond traditional allies to drive investment, security collaboration, and innovation-led growth.
