President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye says his country is committed to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, as both nations move to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. Erdogan makes the declaration in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Tinubu, marking the Nigerian leader’s state visit to Türkiye.
According to Mediaplusng.com, President Erdogan confirms that discussions toward the trade target are already underway, with both countries agreeing to establish a Joint Economy and Trade Committee. He says the platform will expand trade opportunities, support Turkish investments in Nigeria, and accelerate progress toward the $5 billion goal.
Erdogan says Türkiye and Nigeria share strong potential in trade and investment, especially across energy, education, defence, and infrastructure. He praises President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms and investment attraction, noting that the presence of Nigerian ministers and senior officials underscores the seriousness of Nigeria’s economic agenda.
The Turkish leader says the Joint Economy and Trade Committee will serve as a key mechanism to unlock new opportunities and remove barriers to investment, Mediaplusng.com reports. He adds that Turkish companies are ready to deepen their footprint in Nigeria, especially in manufacturing, energy, and services.
President Erdogan also commends Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the energy sector, describing them as critical to economic restructuring and long-term growth. He expresses optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners will deliver tangible outcomes that benefit both economies.
On regional security, Erdogan reaffirms Türkiye’s support for Nigeria in tackling terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region. He says Türkiye is ready to share its experience in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and military training, stressing that insecurity in the Sahel threatens peace across Africa.
He adds that Nigerian officials will hold meetings with leading Turkish defence companies during the visit, expressing confidence that the engagements will yield positive results in security cooperation and defence technology.
In his response, President Bola Tinubu thanks Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in promoting global peace, stability, and shared prosperity. He says trade and business cooperation must focus on inclusion, opportunity, and access for vulnerable populations.
President Tinubu stresses the need to build an inclusive economy that allows citizens to work, learn, and prosper without unnecessary restrictions. He says Nigeria remains committed to economic reform, private-sector growth, and regional stability despite security challenges in its neighbourhood.
The Nigerian President also highlights discussions on counter-terrorism and regional security, reaffirming Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force in Africa. He commends President Erdogan’s leadership in promoting peace, particularly Türkiye’s role in Somalia.
At the end of the bilateral talks, both countries exchange nine cooperation agreements, covering diaspora policy, defence cooperation, trade and economic partnership, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media and communication, education, diplomatic training, social services, and women affairs.
Officials say the agreements mark a new phase in Nigeria–Türkiye relations, with both leaders expressing confidence that stronger cooperation will translate into increased trade, investment flows, security collaboration, and shared economic growth.
