President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa, pledging that the country will continue to play a leading role on the continent despite prevailing security challenges.
President Tinubu made the pledge during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, where he also commended Türkiye’s efforts toward global peace, particularly President Erdoğan’s role in supporting stability initiatives in Somalia.
At the conclusion of the bilateral talks, officials from both countries exchanged nine cooperation agreements aimed at deepening diplomatic, economic and institutional ties between Nigeria and Türkiye.
The agreements include cooperation in diaspora policy, defence, higher education, education, media and communication, and halal quality infrastructure.
Others are the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, collaboration between the diplomatic academies of both countries, and cooperation between Türkiye’s Ministry of Social Services and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
President Tinubu emphasised that peace and stability would remain the hallmark of his administration, noting that sustainable development and regional cooperation are anchored on a secure and stable environment.
On his part, President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume target with Nigeria, disclosing that discussions toward realising the goal were already underway.
He said the newly established Joint Economy and Trade Committee would create fresh opportunities for expanded trade relations and increased Turkish investments in Nigeria.
President Erdoğan spoke at a joint press briefing with President Tinubu during the Nigerian leader’s state visit, describing Nigeria as a key strategic partner in Africa and expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations.
Reporting by Zaccheaus Babalola