Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is set to make an official visit to Turkey on January 26 to engage in discussions concerning bilateral relations and regional and international developments. This visit marks Minister Tuggar’s first official trip to Turkey.
Key Discussions and Expected Outcomes
During his visit, Minister Tuggar is expected to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The agenda for their discussions includes a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey, alongside an exchange of views on pressing regional and international issues.
A significant focus of the talks will be on enhancing trade volume and mutual investments between the two nations. Both ministers are anticipated to explore concrete steps to further deepen economic cooperation. Matters of interest to Turkish companies operating or looking to invest in Nigeria are also expected to be addressed.
Furthermore, the discussions will highlight Nigeria’s constructive contributions to regional stability, prosperity, and peace in West Africa. The two countries are expected to emphasize the considerable potential for further developing existing cooperation in military and defense industry sectors. Cooperation and solidarity in the fight against terrorist organizations will also be underscored.
International Cooperation and Regional Issues
The importance of strengthening collaboration in international platforms, particularly within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization, will be emphasized. This reflects a shared commitment to multilateralism and collective action on global challenges.
The ministers will also discuss the necessity of maintaining contact between Turkey and Nigeria, both members of the OIC-Arab League Gaza Contact Group, regarding the preservation of the ceasefire in Gaza, the improvement of the humanitarian situation, and the implementation of a two-state solution. Additionally, the consensus between the two countries on respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity within the framework of international law is expected to be reaffirmed.
Turkey-Nigeria Relations: A Growing Partnership
Trade volume between Turkey and Nigeria reached 688.4 million dollars in the first 11 months of 2025. When energy trade is taken into account, Nigeria emerged as Turkey’s largest trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.
More than 50 Turkish-capitalized companies are currently operating in Nigeria, with total investments amounting to approximately 400 million dollars. There has also been a significant increase in the value of contracting projects undertaken by Turkish firms in Nigeria in recent years, with their total value approaching 3 billion dollars.
Turkey continues to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, and cooperation between the two countries in military, security, and defense industry sectors continues to strengthen steadily.
Source: İhlas News Agency / Politics Foreign Policy Politics Security Economy Turkey Nigeria Ankara
