By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has reiterated his country’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, while also expressing Türkiye’s readiness to support Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
Erdogan disclosed this on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Tinubu, who is on a state visit to the country.
He said discussions toward reaching the trade target were already underway.
According to the Turkish leader, the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee between both countries would help expand economic cooperation and provide stronger support for Turkish investments in Nigeria.
Erdogan praised President Tinubu’s drive to attract foreign investment, noting that the presence of several Nigerian ministers and senior government officials on the visit reflected the administration’s seriousness.
“We conducted a comprehensive review of our relations across trade, investment, energy, education and the defence industry,” Erdogan said. “We see significant potential in trade and investment, and today we reaffirmed our commitment to a $5 billion trade volume while discussing concrete steps to achieve it.”
He added that the Joint Economy and Trade Committee agreed upon would play a key role in deepening bilateral economic ties.
The Turkish president also commended Nigeria’s reforms in the energy sector, saying they were contributing to economic restructuring.
He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would yield positive results.
On security, Erdogan said Türkiye was ready to assist Nigeria in tackling terrorism, particularly threats emanating from the Sahel region, citing his country’s experience in combating insurgency.
“Terrorist organisations, especially in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a serious threat to the peace of the continent,” he said. “We stand with the people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under President Tinubu’s leadership.”
He revealed that discussions had been held on enhancing cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, adding that Nigeria would soon see tangible outcomes from engagements with Turkish defence industry companies.
In his response, President Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in promoting global peace, stability and shared prosperity.
He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy, particularly one that integrates vulnerable groups and provides equal opportunities for growth.
“What is critical is trade without unnecessary restrictions, business opportunities, and empowering people who are ready to work, learn and prosper,” Tinubu said. “We must ask ourselves how to build inclusive economies and ensure peace and stability.”
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa despite regional security challenges, noting that both countries exchanged views on counterterrorism and efforts to combat destabilising forces.
Tinubu also praised Erdogan’s role in promoting peace, particularly Türkiye’s involvement in stabilisation efforts in Somalia.
At the conclusion of the bilateral talks, officials from both countries exchanged nine cooperation agreements, covering areas such as diaspora policy, defence, education, media, trade, halal quality infrastructure, diplomacy, higher education, and social development, including collaboration between Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Türkiye’s Ministry of Social Services.
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