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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja, after a state visit to Turkey, where he forged deeper ties in trade, security and energy.
His plane arrived at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:55pm on Saturday, where top officials, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Finance and Economy Coordinating minister, Wale Edun and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, greeted him.
The trip featured key bilateral talks in Ankara with Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, yielding agreements to boost cooperation amid Nigeria’s push for economic growth and stability.
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At a joint press conference, Erdogan committed to ramping up trade from the current $2 billion to $5 billion. “We have already started discussions toward this target,” he said, announcing a new joint economy and trade committee to drive Turkish investments. He added: “This will be a critical mechanism for reaching $5 billion,” while praising Tinubu’s investment drive, evident from the Nigerian delegation’s strong turnout.
Erdogan also spotlighted Nigeria’s energy reforms, expressing hope for partnerships between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and local firms. On security, he vowed aid against Sahel terrorism, saying, “Turkey is ready to share its experience in counter-terrorism and defence industry collaboration,” including military training and intelligence swaps.
Responding, Tinubu thanked Turkey for its collaborative spirit, saying, “We appreciate Turkey’s openness in promoting global freedom, stability and shared prosperity.” He emphasised an inclusive economy for vulnerable groups, lauding Erdogan’s peace efforts in Somalia and reaffirming Nigeria’s resolve for African stability.
The visit concluded with nine deals, covering the Joint Committee declaration, defence, diaspora policy, halal infrastructure, higher education, media, diplomatic training, education and social services.
