President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye has disclosed that his country is targeting a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, announcing that discussions to actualise the goal have already commenced.
President Erdogan made this known on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is on a State Visit to Türkiye. He noted that the current trade volume between both countries stands at about $2 billion.
According to the Turkish leader, Türkiye exports aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, as well as chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria exports crude oil and agricultural products to Türkiye.
President Erdogan said the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee will create new opportunities to expand Turkish investments in Nigeria and accelerate the attainment of the $5 billion trade target.
He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to national development, describing the presence of several Nigerian ministers and senior government officials during the visit as a clear demonstration of political will.
The Turkish President said both leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations covering trade, investment, energy, education and the defence industry, adding that Nigeria and Türkiye possess significant untapped potential in trade and investment.
President Erdogan also praised President Tinubu’s reforms in the energy sector, which he said have contributed to the restructuring of Nigeria’s economy. He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts would deliver tangible results.
On security, President Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support to Nigeria in tackling insurgency, drawing from his country’s experience in combating terrorism. He noted that discussions were held on enhancing cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, adding that Turkish defence companies would engage with Nigerian officials during the visit.
In his remarks, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate in promoting global freedom, stability and shared prosperity. He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy that creates opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The Nigerian President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in Africa despite security challenges in some regions, noting that discussions also focused on defeating agents of destabilisation and strengthening counter-terrorism efforts.
President Tinubu further commended President Erdogan for his role in advancing global peace, particularly his interventions in Somalia.
At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, officials from both countries signed nine agreements, including cooperation on diaspora policy, defence, higher education, media and communication, education, halal quality infrastructure, social services, women affairs, and the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee.
Leave a comment