By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye has announced an ambitious plan to raise bilateral trade with Nigeria to $5 billion, signaling a major expansion of economic, energy and security cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is on a State Visit to Türkiye, President Erdogan said discussions to achieve the target had already begun.
Current trade volume between the two nations stands at about $2 billion, with Türkiye exporting aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, and chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and agricultural commodities to Türkiye.
According to the statement released by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
January 27, 2026, Bayo Onanuga, President Erdogan said the proposed Joint Economy and Trade Committee, agreed upon by both governments, would serve as a critical platform to unlock new investment opportunities and accelerate Turkish investments in Nigeria.
“The establishment of this committee will create opportunities to expand our investments in Nigeria and help us realise our shared $5 billion trade volume target,” Erdogan said.
He praised President Tinubu’s reform agenda and described the composition of the Nigerian delegation—made up of several ministers and senior officials—as clear evidence of Abuja’s political will to drive development.
“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 the defence industry,” Erdogan noted.
“We see significant potential in trade and investment, and we discussed the concrete steps needed to reach our $5 billion goal.”
Energy, Security Take Centre Stage
President Erdogan also commended Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the energy sector, saying they were already contributing to the restructuring of the country’s economy. He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would deliver tangible results.
On security, the Turkish leader reaffirmed his country’s readiness to support Nigeria in its fight against insurgency, drawing from Türkiye’s own experience combating terrorism.
“Terrorist organisations emerging, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent,” Erdogan said.
“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.”
He disclosed that both leaders discussed deeper cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, adding that Turkish defence firms would engage Nigerian officials during the visit.
“We are ready to share our country’s significant experience in combating terrorism, and we believe positive outcomes will soon emerge from these engagements,” he added.
Tinubu: Trade Without Barriers, Growth for the Vulnerable
In his remarks, President Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate in advancing global freedom, stability and shared prosperity.
He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy, particularly one that creates opportunities for vulnerable populations.
“Trade, business—no restrictions—giving opportunities to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper,” Tinubu said.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform the economy and involve vulnerable people? How do we ensure peace in the world?”
The Nigerian President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa, despite ongoing security challenges in parts of the country.
“We discussed efforts against terrorism. We discussed how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he said.
President Tinubu also commended President Erdogan for his role in promoting global peace, citing Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia as a notable example.
Nine Agreements Signed
The high-level talks culminated in the signing of nine bilateral agreements, further cementing the growing partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye. The agreements include:
Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Diaspora Policy
Agreement on Defence Cooperation
Joint Declaration Establishing the Economy and Trade Joint Committee
Agreement in the Field of Halal Quality Infrastructure
Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education
Cooperation in the Field of Media and Communication
Cooperation in the Field of Education
Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both countries and their respective Diplomacy Academies
Cooperation between Türkiye’s Ministry of Social Services and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
The agreements underscore a shared resolve by Ankara and Abuja to deepen economic ties, strengthen security collaboration and expand people-to-people relations, as both countries chart a new phase in their strategic partnership.
