Nigeria and Turkey have signed nine bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing economic ties and cooperation in defence, education and other sectors, during a state visit by Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, to Ankara.
The deals, inked on 27 January, include pacts on military cooperation, higher education and diaspora policy, as the two countries target an annual trade volume of $5bn.
Tinubu’s three-day visit, from 26 to 28 January, marked a significant step in deepening relations between Africa’s most populous country and Turkey, as Nigeria’s boosts efforts to attract foreign investment following recent economic reforms.
At a joint press conference, Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the agreements would foster closer collaboration, particularly in combating terrorism and boosting trade, which currently stands at around $2bn.
“We are targeting a five-billion-dollar trade volume with Nigeria,” Mr Erdogan stated, adding that discussions to achieve this had begun.
Tinubu echoed these sentiments, emphasising the potential for job creation and investment. “Our renewed partnership with the Republic of Turkey will help us fight insecurity, as well as build on the successes of ongoing reforms,” he said. The Nigerian leader highlighted the importance of the deals in creating a safer and more prosperous country.
The nine agreements cover a range of areas. They include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on diaspora policy cooperation between Turkey’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities and Nigeria’s Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
There were also MoUs on media and communication between the two governments, and on higher education cooperation. An MoU was also signed on halal quality infrastructure between Turkey’s Halal Accreditation Agency and Nigeria’s national system.
There was a joint declaration establishing the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), and a protocol on military cooperation. An MoU on cooperation between Turkey’s Diplomatic Academy and Nigeria’s Foreign Service Academy was also signed.
An agreement on education cooperation was signed, as well as an MoU on cooperation between Turkey’s Ministry of Family and Social Services and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Analysts say the pacts reflect Nigeria’s push to diversify its partnerships beyond traditional Western allies, turning to Turkey for expertise in defence and infrastructure. Turkey has emerged as a key player in Africa’s security landscape, supplying drones and training to several countries fighting insurgencies.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown steadily, with Turkish firms involved in Nigerian construction and energy projects. However, challenges remain, including Nigeria’s economic instability and security threats from groups like Boko Haram.
Reactions in Nigeria have been mixed. Supporters hail the agreements as a boost for the Tinubu government’s strategic framework for national development, known as the “renewed hope agenda,” while critics question their immediate impact, viewing them as non-binding memoranda.
The visit reveals shifting global dynamics, with middle powers like Turkey expanding influence in Africa. Both leaders expressed commitment to implementing the deals through the new joint committee.
Nigeria, grappling with inflation and currency woes, sees the partnership as vital for economic recovery. Turkey, meanwhile, aims to expand its export markets amidst domestic pressures. Officials from both sides will now work on timelines for the agreements, with focus on defence training and trade facilitation.
