President Bola Tinubu and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish president, have agreed to pursue a $5bn trade volume between Nigeria and Turkey.
Erdogan spoke during a joint press briefing with Tinubu in Ankara, where both leaders witnessed the signing of nine bilateral agreements.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, presidential adviser on information and strategy, said the visit marked a renewed commitment to stronger economic and diplomatic ties.
Erdogan said the creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee would open fresh opportunities for Turkish investments in Nigeria.
“Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed president and his delegation in the fields of trade, investments, energy, education and defence industry,” he said.
“Firstly, we see that we have significant potential in the fields of trade and investment.
“In Today’s meetings, our commitment is to the target of $5bn trade volume, and we discussed the steps that need to be taken.”
Erdogan also noted that both countries explored ways to strengthen investor confidence and economic partnerships.
“We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria,” he said.
“We believe that the Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish Today, will be instrumental in this regard.”
The Turkish president commended Tinubu’s reforms in the energy sector, expressing optimism about cooperation between Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners.
On security matters, Erdogan pledged Turkey’s support for Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“Terrorist organisations emerging, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, unfortunately, pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent,” he said.
“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.
“Today, we addressed opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of military training and intelligence.
“We stated that we are ready to share our country’s significant experience in the fight against terrorism.”
Tinubu, in his remarks, praised Erdogan’s willingness to collaborate in promoting freedom, stability and prosperity globally.
The Nigerian president stressed the need for an inclusive economy that creates opportunities for vulnerable populations.
What is very important to the countries being discussed, trade, business, no restrictions, giving opportunity to those who are ready to learn to work and prosper,” Tinubu asked.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform and get vulnerable people involved in the economy?”
Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to contribute to peace and stability in Africa despite security challenges across the region.
Both leaders signed agreements covering diaspora policy, defence cooperation and the establishment of the Economy and Trade Joint Committee.
Other deals included cooperation in higher education, media and communication, education, halal quality infrastructure, diplomacy training, and collaboration between Turkey’s social services ministry and Nigeria’s ministry of women affairs.