President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s goal of $5 billion in trade with Nigeria.
Erdogan disclosed this on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Tinubu, marking a highlight of Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye.
The briefing was held during President Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye.
The commitment, also emphasized by President Erdogan, was further outlined in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Erdogan said discussions toward meeting the trade target had already commenced between the two countries.
He announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to boost investment and cooperation.
“Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations in trade, investment, energy, education, and the defence industry.
“We have significant potential in trade and investment, and we are committed to the $5 billion trade volume target.
The Joint Economy and Trade Committee we established today will support investments in Nigeria,” he said.
Further highlighting the visit’s significance, Erdogan praised Tinubu’s commitment to attracting investment, citing the presence of Nigerian ministers and senior officials as evidence of strong political will.
He commended Nigeria’s recent reforms in the energy sector, describing them as critical to economic restructuring.
Erdogan expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would yield positive outcomes.
On regional security, Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support to Nigeria in fighting terrorism, especially in the Sahel.
“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.
We are ready to share our military training and intelligence expertise.”
“I believe we will soon see positive outcomes from engagements with our defence industry companies,” he said.
Responding to Erdogan’s remarks, Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its openness and willingness to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors.
“We commend your willingness to collaborate and work together to promote freedom, stability, and shared prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He stressed the importance of building inclusive economies that support vulnerable populations.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together and ensure vulnerable people are involved in economic growth?” he asked.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability despite ongoing security challenges.
“We discussed efforts against terrorism and how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he said.
Tinubu also praised Erdogan’s role in promoting global peace, particularly Türkiye’s engagement in Somalia.
At the end of the meeting, both countries signed nine specific cooperation agreements.
They covered diaspora policy, defence cooperation, the establishment of a trade committee, halal quality infrastructure, education, media, diplomacy training, social services, and women’s affairs.
