Emerging global economic, security and climate challenges require international cooperation to deal with. This justifies the recent visit of President Bola Tinubu to the Republic of Türkiye. President Tinubu during the visit emphasised the urgency of collaboration among global partners in tackling today’s existential problems for tomorrow’s security, peace, and progress.
The visit was aimed at harnessing Türkiye’s technological advancement in the defence sector and deepening bilateral trade relations.
Türkiye occupies strategic importance in the world owing to its unique geographic position linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Türkiye established a diplomatic presence in Nigeria in 1962. This relationship has evolved over the decades into a mutually beneficial partnership. Nigeria is currently Türkiye’s largest trading partner in sub- sahara Africa with over fifty of its companies operating in the country.
During President Tinubu’s visit to Ankara, Nigeria and Türkiye signed nine deals, including agreement on defence cooperation, joint declaration establishing the economy and trade joint committee, agreement in the field of Halal quality assurance, cooperation in the field of higher education, media and communication as well as diaspora policy.
Others are cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy
Academy, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of Foreign, cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Family and Social Services and Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of Women Affairs.
Türkiye is a Middle-Eastern power with advanced defence capabilities and some success in counter- terrorism. The defence corporation protocol between Nigeria and Türkiye goes beyond arms purchases. It includes the provision of an integrated framework for counter-terrorism support, military training, intelligence sharing, and defence industry collaboration.
These developments are especially significant as Nigeria seeks to tackle the current threats from groups like Boko Haram ISWAP, bandits as well as broader internal security challenges.
The deal not only offers Nigeria access to military hardware, such as T-129 ATAK helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, but also opportunities for local capacity building and technology transfer.
The open declaration by Türkiye’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğa that he would help Nigeria to defeat terrorism is reassuring. There is no doubting the fact Nigeria needs international support based on mutual respect to defeat the forces of terror.
President Tinubu’s visit also provided an opportunity for Nigeria to broaden its economic cooperation with Türkiye Trade between both countries reached $688.4 million in the first eleven months of 2025, but have now set an ambitious target of $5 billion in the medium term. The 50 Turkish companies operating in Nigeria, have investments estimated at $400 million, and Turkish contractors are undertaking projects worth approximately $3 billion. Turkish companies have made notable inroads into Nigeria’s construction, manufacturing, and energy industries, including major infrastructure projects, road construction, housing, and power generation.
The proposed Joint Economic and Trade Committee is expected to play a critical role in facilitating investment flows, removing barriers, and fostering innovation.
The existing educational exchanges are playing a vital role in sustaining the long-term partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye.
More than 3,000 Nigerians have graduated from higher institutions in Türkiye under the scholarship programme. Research has shown that educational exchanges help to foster cross-cultural understanding, build professional networks, and lay the foundation for sustained collaboration in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
For Nigeria to develop into an economic powerhouse, it needs to foster relationships with big players in the international community. President Tinubu’s recent visit to Türkiye should be seen as part of that strategy to attract international attention in dealing with Nigeria’s security, economic and social challenges.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mustapha Isah,
Former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors
