By Our Reporter
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, saying that discussions aimed at reaching the target had already begun between both countries.
President Erdogan made this known on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Tinubu, held as part of Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye as both nations move to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
The commitment was contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Erdogan also announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to promote investment growth and strengthen commercial relations.
"Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations in trade, investment, energy, education and 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 agreed to establish today will be instrumental in supporting investments in Nigeria," Erdogan said.
He praised Tinubu’s drive to attract foreign investment, noting that the presence of Nigerian ministers and senior government officials at the talks reflected strong political commitment.
The Turkiye president also commended Nigeria’s recent reforms in the energy sector, describing them as key to the country’s economic restructuring efforts, even as he expressed optimism that cooperation between Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would deliver positive results.
On security, Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, expressing the belief that positive results would soon be recorded "from engagements with our defence industry companies."
"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 country’s significant experience in military training and intelligence cooperation.
"I believe we will soon see positive outcomes from engagements with our defence industry companies," Erdogan said.
President Tinubu, in his remark, thanked Turkiye for its willingness to strengthen cooperation across critical sectors.
“We commend your willingness to collaborate and work together to promote freedom, stability and shared prosperity," Tinubu said.
Tinubu stressed the need to build inclusive economies that addressed the needs of vulnerable populations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability despite ongoing security challenges, noting that discussions also focused on counterterrorism efforts.
“We discussed efforts against terrorism and how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he said.
The Nigerian president also praised Erdogan’s role in advancing global peace, particularly Turkiye’s involvement in Somalia.
At the end of the bilateral meeting, Nigeria and Turkiye exchanged nine cooperation agreements, covering diaspora policy, defence cooperation, establishment of a trade committee, halal quality infrastructure, education, media, diplomacy training, social services and women affairs.
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