Tinubu returns to Abuja after Türkiye talks
President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja late Saturday following a state visit to Türkiye that resulted in new agreements on trade, security, energy, and institutional cooperation.
The presidential aircraft arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 8:55 p.m., where he was received by senior government officials.
Those present included Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Bilateral talks with Erdogan
During the visit, Tinubu held bilateral talks in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focusing on expanding economic ties and strengthening security cooperation.
At a joint press conference, Erdogan said both countries had begun discussions to increase bilateral trade from the current $2 billion to $5 billion.
“We have already started discussions toward this target,” Erdogan said, announcing the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to promote Turkish investments in Nigeria.
He described the committee as “a critical mechanism for reaching $5 billion” and commended Nigeria’s investment drive, citing the size and composition of Tinubu’s delegation.
Energy and security cooperation
Erdogan also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing energy sector reforms and expressed optimism about potential partnerships between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian companies.
On security, the Turkish president pledged support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in relation to instability in the Sahel region.
“Türkiye is ready to share its experience in counter-terrorism and defence industry collaboration,” he said, adding that cooperation could include military training and intelligence sharing.
Tinubu’s response and signed agreements
Responding, Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its approach to bilateral cooperation and said Nigeria values Ankara’s role in promoting global stability.
“We appreciate Türkiye’s openness in promoting global freedom, stability, and shared prosperity,” Tinubu said, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to building an inclusive economy that supports vulnerable groups.
He also praised Erdogan’s peace efforts in Somalia and reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to contribute to stability across Africa.
The visit ended with the signing of nine agreements covering the establishment of the Joint Economy and Trade Committee, defence cooperation, diaspora policy, halal infrastructure, higher education, media collaboration, diplomatic training, education, and social services.
