Turkey Seeks Stronger Economic and Diplomatic Ties with Nigeria
Turkey has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation with Nigeria as both countries mark 66 years of formal relations.
Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, gave the assurance at a reception held last week in Abuja to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.
Poroy recalled that the Turkish Republic was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, following years of struggle for independence after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.
Read also: Nigerians’ Personal Debt Hits Record N1.99tn in Q2 2026 Amid Rising Living Costs
He said the founding principle of the modern Turkish state, “peace at home, peace in the world”, remained central to the country’s philosophy more than a century after its establishment.
Speaking on Nigeria-Turkey relations, the ambassador said Turkey opened its Consulate General in Lagos in April 1959 before both countries established diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, shortly after Nigeria gained independence.
He said the partnership had continued to expand across various sectors, guided by mutual respect, friendship and cooperation.
Poroy also highlighted Turkey’s engagement with Africa through its strategic partnership with the African Union, established in 2008. He disclosed that more than 100 Turkish companies were currently operating in Nigeria.
Read also: Nigeria’s $9m US Lobbying Deal Puts Diplomatic Spending Under Scrutiny
The reception featured a video message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who congratulated citizens at home and abroad on the anniversary.
Erdoğan said Turkey had become stronger and expressed confidence that the country would continue to grow in influence and international standing, citing progress in defence, energy, transportation and diplomacy.
As part of the anniversary activities, Poroy announced an exhibition of paintings by his wife, Associate Professor Ayşegül Poroy. The exhibition is scheduled to open at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Art Gallery in Abuja.
In a separate congratulatory statement, the Nigerian government said nine agreements signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara in January had strengthened the foundation for cooperation between both countries.
The agreements cover trade, investment, military cooperation, education and media.
