Abuja: Trkiye and Nigeria share a common vision on counterterrorism and other key issues across Africa, Trkiye's ambassador to Abuja, Mehmet Poroy, stated. Nigeria's significance is underscored by its role as West Africa's leading country, the largest economy in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the fourth-largest on the continent, with a population surpassing 230 million.
According to Anadolu Agency, Poroy emphasized that Abuja holds particular importance for Ankara as both nations confront similar security threats. Nigeria continues to battle terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, mirroring Trkiye's long-standing fight against various terrorist organizations. Ankara remains committed to supporting Nigeria by sharing expertise, resources, and capabilities, with ongoing cooperation against the FETO terrorist organization being a key pillar of the partnership. Poroy stressed that Nigeria's stability is vital to both West Africa and the entire continent.
Describing the relationship in strategic terms, Poroy noted that Trkiye and Nigeria are "two countries that play strong, game-changing roles in their respective regions." Talks during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's first-ever visit to Trkiye focused on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly security and counterterrorism, areas where Nigeria is most in need of cooperation at the moment. Tinubu's January 27 visit, following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's trip to Nigeria in October 2021, underscored both governments' strong will to advance ties. Nine agreements were signed spanning security, education, and trade, with an emphasis on swift implementation for mutual benefit.
Poroy indicated that a new phase in military cooperation has been entered, with closer coordination expected. He emphasized Ankara's "win-win" approach in Africa, prioritizing respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty while opposing external interventions, a stance closely aligned with Nigeria's commitment to "African solutions to African problems." Both governments recently took a joint position against Israel's recognition of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland, issuing statements in support of Mogadishu, including within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Trkiye's stabilization efforts in Somalia are highly valued by Nigeria, given Nigeria's standing as one of the continent's leading nations.
Support for Abuja's leadership within ECOWAS, particularly in promoting democracy and regional peace, remains firm. Poroy voiced backing for intensified dialogue and cooperation across West Africa.
During Erdogan's 2021 visit to Nigeria, three memorandums of understanding were signed in energy, mining, and hydrocarbons, establishing a legal framework for cooperation. Working groups have since convened to develop models expected to translate into concrete projects. Rich in solid minerals, Nigeria aims not only to extract resources but also to process them domestically. Trkiye can share its capabilities in this area with Nigeria, and concrete steps are expected soon.
Significant potential also exists in electricity production and distribution. Turkish companies already operating in Nigeria are expanding their footprint, while interest in the country's oil and natural gas sectors continues to grow amid efforts to deepen engagement. A key outcome of Tinubu's visit was the signing of a joint statement establishing the Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee (JETCO), designed to remove trade and investment barriers.
Growing Turkish investment in Nigeria's infrastructure sector is expected to accelerate through larger-scale projects, supported by agreements to prevent double taxation and promote and protect investments. The $5 billion bilateral trade target remains central to the economic agenda. With JETCO becoming operational, bilateral trade, currently around $1 billion, is expected to increase toward the $5 billion target. Trkiye is eager to deepen political ties and sustain comprehensive consultations on bilateral and regional issues.