The Ambassador of Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, says that Nigeria and Turkey need to work harder to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion, describing current levels as far below potential.
Speaking during an official visit on Wednesday to Kaduna, where he met with officials of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), the ambassador explained that the visit followed directives from the President of Turkey after a recent presidential engagement, emphasising a renewed push to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria.
According to him, the current bilateral trade stands at about $2 billion, while Turkish investments in Nigeria are approximately $400m,
He noted that Nigeria, as one of Africa’s largest economies, holds vast opportunities for Turkish investors, adding that existing figures do not reflect the real potential.
Poroy described his engagement with the chamber as fruitful, stating that it marks the beginning of deeper collaboration and future sector-specific discussions.
He stressed the importance of partnership between government authorities and private sector players in both countries as a strategic method of achieving shared economic goals.
The envoy also highlighted the role of chambers of commerce as key intermediaries in fostering business relationships and facilitating trade expansion.
He said that mechanisms such as trade fairs, business delegations and bilateral meetings would be deployed to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey.
Poroy further said that a Joint Economic Trade Commission framework had been established to monitor progress, address challenges, and propose solutions annually.
He assured Nigerian business stakeholders of improved visa processing, noting that business visas to Turkey can now be obtained within days to ease engagements.
The President of KADCCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, described the ambassador’s visit as historic, as it represents the first engagement of its kind in over 15 years.
He said that Kaduna remained a major industrial and agricultural hub with strong investment potential, supported by infrastructure, a large population and diverse economic activities.
Suleiman called for collaboration in areas such as manufacturing, trade facilitation, skills development and the revitalisation of the Kaduna International Trade Fair complex.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian-Turkey Business Council, Dele Oye, affirmed plans to deepen trade relations and promote Kaduna as a prime investment destination.
He announced an upcoming memorandum of understanding between both parties to ease business operations and encourage more trade delegations between Nigeria and Turkey.
Oye assured that Kaduna’s strengths in agriculture, livestock, and youth population present opportunities for skills development and economic growth through bilateral cooperation.
GIK/APA