President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria and Turkey have agreed to fast-track cooperation in trade, energy and defence to boost jobs, investment and shared prosperity.
The Nigerian leader said via his official X handle during his State Visit to Ankara, Turkey that discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan focused on deepening bilateral relations and delivering tangible economic benefits for citizens of both countries.
“President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and I reaffirmed our shared ambition, which speaks directly to jobs, investment and opportunity for our people,” he said.
He said that both leaders agreed on the need to expand trade volumes and remove structural barriers limiting business growth between Nigeria and Turkey.
“We are creating a clear pathway to a five-billion-dollar trade volume between Nigeria and Turkey,” Tinubu stated.
He described the talks as practical and forward-looking, driven by mutual interests and shared regional and global responsibilities.
“Our conversations were practical and forward-looking: trade and investment, energy, education, defence cooperation, peace and security,” he said.
Tinubu announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to drive implementation of agreements and attract fresh investments.
“The creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee will unlock new flows of capital,” the Nigerian President said.
According to him, the committee will also support industrial growth, technology transfer and stronger private sector participation.
Tinubu welcomed President Erdoğan’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, especially in the energy and investment sectors.
“I welcome President Erdoğan’s recognition of Nigeria’s reform momentum, particularly in the energy sector,” he said.
The President said the renewed confidence reflected Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, stability and sustainable economic growth.
“We are determined to build an economy that works for everyone, including the most vulnerable,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu said that nine bilateral agreements were exchanged at the end of the meetings between both leaders.
The agreements cover defence, education, media cooperation, diaspora policy, trade facilitation, social development and institutional collaboration.
“Nigeria remains open for serious partnership. Open to trade without barriers, ideas, skills and investment that create value and shared prosperity,” he added.
GIK/APA