Nigeria and Türkiye Launch Strategic Drive to Expand Trade, Investment and Defence Cooperation

Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to deepen their bilateral partnership across trade, investment and defence sectors, with leaders from both countries unveiling a series of agreements designed to boost economic collaboration and security cooperation, officials said.

The framework was established during Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Ankara, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Both leaders signed a set of nine agreements spanning areas such as military training, defence engagement, diaspora policy, media and communication, higher education, halal accreditation and diplomatic training.

A centrepiece of the new cooperation is the creation of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), intended to streamline institutional economic relations and support a shared target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion annually. Officials said this mechanism will help reduce administrative barriers, encourage investment flows and expand commercial ties.

Trade between the two nations has grown markedly in recent years. In the first 11 months of 2025, bilateral trade reached about $688.4 million, with Nigeria becoming Türkiye’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa once energy commerce is included, according to officials.

Beyond economics, the broadened partnership emphasises defence cooperation, including existing military equipment purchases and training arrangements. Analysts say strengthened defence ties reflect shared concerns over regional security and counter-terrorism, as well as mutual interest in enhancing strategic stability.

Turkish firms are active across Nigeria’s construction, energy, textiles and manufacturing sectors. More than 50 Turkish-owned companies operate in Nigeria, with total investments estimated at around $400 million and project values nearing $3 billion, reflecting deeper commercial integration between the two countries.

SOURCE: AA