President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye has disclosed that his country is working towards increasing trade volume with Nigeria to $5 billion, with talks already underway to turn the target into reality.
Erdogan made this known on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Tinubu, who is on a state visit to the country. Current trade exchanges between both nations stand at about $2 billion, with Türkiye exporting items such as aircraft, machinery, iron and steel products, and chemicals, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and agricultural commodities.
According to the Turkish leader, the newly agreed Joint Economy and Trade Committee will serve as a key platform for expanding economic cooperation and encouraging more Turkish investments in Nigeria.
He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to national development, noting that the calibre of ministers and senior officials accompanying him underscored Nigeria’s seriousness. Erdogan said discussions during the bilateral meeting covered wide-ranging areas including trade, investment, energy, education and the defence industry.
He stressed that both countries recognised the strong potential for growth in trade and investment and reaffirmed their resolve to achieve the $5 billion target. Erdogan also expressed optimism that structured engagement through the joint committee would help unlock new opportunities.
The Turkish president commended recent reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, describing them as critical to the restructuring of the country’s economy. He expressed hope that collaboration between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would deliver tangible results.
On security, Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support to Nigeria in its fight against insurgency, citing his country’s experience in dealing with terrorism. He warned that terrorist groups, particularly those operating in the Sahel region, pose a threat to peace across Africa.
He said both sides discussed closer cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, adding that Türkiye was ready to share its expertise in counterterrorism. Erdogan also expressed confidence that meetings between Nigerian officials and Turkish defence companies during the visit would yield positive outcomes.
In his response, President Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate in advancing global freedom, stability and shared prosperity. He emphasised the need for inclusive economic growth that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
Tinubu praised Erdogan’s readiness to work with Nigeria, noting the importance of open trade, business opportunities and economic reforms that allow people to learn, work and prosper. He said both leaders also examined ways to build inclusive economies, reform systems and promote global peace.
The Nigerian president reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa, despite ongoing security challenges in parts of the country. He said discussions also focused on counterterrorism and strategies to defeat forces of destabilisation.
Tinubu further commended Erdogan for his role in promoting global peace, particularly his efforts in Somalia.
At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, officials from both countries signed nine agreements. These included cooperation on diaspora policy, defence, the establishment of the Joint Economy and Trade Committee, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media and communication, education, diplomatic training, and social services involving women affairs and social development.
