Türkiye Targets $5bn Trade Volume With Nigeria as Tinubu, Erdoğan Sign 9 Strategic Agreements
Türkiye has set an ambitious target of reaching a $5 billion bilateral trade volume with Nigeria, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan disclosed on Tuesday in Ankara, as high-level engagements between both countries entered a new phase.
PulseNets learnt that President Erdoğan made this known during a joint press briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently on a State Visit to Türkiye, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic, security, and diplomatic ties.
The Turkish leader disclosed that discussions toward achieving the $5 billion trade target have already commenced, noting that current trade relations between both nations stand at approximately $2 billion annually.
PulseNets reported that Türkiye’s major exports to Nigeria include aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel products, and chemicals, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and agricultural commodities to the European-Asian nation.
President Erdoğan revealed that the newly agreed Joint Economy and Trade Committee will serve as a strategic platform to scale Turkish investments in Nigeria and unlock broader commercial opportunities.
He also commended President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda and described the composition of the Nigerian delegation—featuring several ministers and senior government officials—as a clear demonstration of political resolve.
“Today, we carried out a comprehensive assessment of our relations with the esteemed President and his delegation across trade, investment, energy, education, and the defence industry,” Erdoğan said.
**“We see strong potential in trade and investment. In today’s engagements, we reaffirmed our commitment to the $5 billion trade volume goal and discussed concrete steps to achieve it.
“We equally explored ways to support Turkish investments in Nigeria. The Joint Economy and Trade Committee we agreed to establish today will be instrumental in driving this process.”**
PulseNets obtained that the Turkish President also praised Nigeria’s recent progress in the energy sector, describing it as a critical driver of the country’s economic restructuring.
He expressed optimism that collaboration between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, Nigerian partners, and relevant institutions would deliver measurable outcomes in the near future.
On regional security, President Erdoğan assured Nigeria of Türkiye’s readiness to support its fight against insurgency, citing his country’s experience in counterterrorism operations.
“Terrorist organisations, particularly those emerging in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a serious threat to peace across the continent,” he stated.
**“We stand with the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.
“Today, we discussed closer cooperation in military training and intelligence-sharing. We are prepared to share Türkiye’s significant counterterrorism experience.”**
He further disclosed that Nigerian officials are expected to hold follow-up engagements with leading Turkish defence companies during the visit, expressing confidence that the talks would yield positive results.
In his response, President Tinubu thanked the Turkish government for its openness and willingness to collaborate in advancing global freedom, stability, and shared prosperity.
PulseNets spoke to sources at the briefing who confirmed that the Nigerian leader placed strong emphasis on inclusive economic growth, especially for vulnerable populations.
“President Erdoğan has shown a willingness to collaborate, a willingness to help, and a willingness to work together to promote freedom, stability, and shared prosperity across the world,” Tinubu said.
**“Trade and business must have no restrictions. Opportunities must be created for those ready to learn, work, and prosper.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform our economies and bring vulnerable people into the process? How do we ensure peace globally?”**
President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa, despite ongoing security challenges in parts of the country.
“We discussed efforts against terrorism. We discussed how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he added.
The Nigerian President further praised Erdoğan’s peace-building efforts, particularly his involvement in stabilisation initiatives in Somalia.
Also Read: ‘We Are Not A Bird But A Nation’: Turkey Changes Name To Türkiye
PulseNets learnt that the bilateral talks culminated in the signing of nine cooperation agreements between Nigeria and Türkiye.
The agreements cover:
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Diaspora Policy Cooperation
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Defence Cooperation
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Joint Declaration Establishing the Economy and Trade Joint Committee
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Halal Quality Infrastructure Cooperation
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Higher Education Cooperation
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Media and Communication Cooperation
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Education Cooperation
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Diplomatic Training Cooperation between both Foreign Affairs Ministries
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Social Services Cooperation, involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
The agreements were signed in the presence of senior officials from both governments, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria–Türkiye diplomatic relations.
