Nigeria, Türkiye Sign MoU on Family Cohesion, Social Welfare

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

Nigeria and Türkiye have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening family cohesion, social welfare systems, and protections for vulnerable groups.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Ankara during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official state visit to Türkiye. 

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Türkiye was represented by its Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the MoU as the outcome of sustained engagements between both countries over the past year. 

She said the partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of social development.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is committed to accelerating impact, with a target of reaching 50 million Nigerians by 2030 through improved family-focused policies and social protection programmes.

She outlined key areas of cooperation under the agreement to include the development of Nigeria’s first National Action Plan on Families, with the care economy identified as a critical pillar for strengthening family structures. 

The MoU also prioritises women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship support, improved socio-economic opportunities, and mentorship frameworks.

Other focus areas include enhanced child protection systems, early intervention mechanisms to prevent neglect and abuse, and expanded inclusion for persons with disabilities. 

The agreement also promotes “active ageing” initiatives to improve the wellbeing and social participation of senior citizens.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the MoU as a commitment by both nations to place the family at the centre of national development, noting that expert exchanges and sharing of best practices would commence immediately to ensure practical outcomes for households in both countries.

The agreement marks a new phase of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in social development and welfare policy.