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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Republic of Turkey has requested that Nigeria include it in the country’s electronic visa (e-visa) system.
Making the request in Abuja during a meeting with the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul creates logistical challenges, as applicants must travel to Ankara. He added that inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly enhance business mobility.
The ambassador highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey, following collaboration between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior. Under the new arrangement, he said, applications are processed locally, with verified businesspersons benefiting from faster processing timelines of about three to four days.
Poroy also raised concerns regarding Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial activities. He noted conflicting information on Nigerian visa arrangements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to guide applicants accurately.
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In his remarks, Tunji-Ojo assured that denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople is not in the interest of either country. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration, while reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international business partners.
The minister described the meeting as substantive and timely, noting that Nigeria and Turkey share strong historical and cultural ties that provide a solid foundation for deeper collaboration. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and practical approach to international co-operation that supports people-to-people contact and legitimate business engagement.
In a statement, the meeting also addressed the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. The minister clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and should not require additional verification. Poroy acknowledged the concern and expressed commitment to review the embassy’s procedures, as both parties agreed to sustained engagement to strengthen bilateral co-operation and diplomatic relations.
