Tinubu returns to Abuja after sealing $5bn trade deals with Türkiye

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja late Saturday after a productive state visit to Türkiye that forged deeper ties in trade, security, and energy.

His plane arrived at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:55 p.m., 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 received 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.

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: “Türkiye is ready to share its experience in counter-terrorism and defence industry collaboration,” including military training and intelligence swaps.

Tinubu, in response, thanked Türkiye for its collaborative spirit. “We appreciate Türkiye’s openness in promoting global freedom, stability, and shared prosperity,” he stated, emphasising an inclusive economy for vulnerable groups. He lauded Erdogan’s peace efforts in Somalia and reaffirmed 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.