Türkiye Records Drop in Irregular Nigerian Migrants, Seeks Deeper Economic, Migration Cooperation
Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have recorded significant progress in curbing irregular migration, as the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, revealed that the number of undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye has dropped from about 9,000 to fewer than 5,000, attributing the development to improved bilateral cooperation and stronger institutional engagement between both countries.
Poroy disclosed this during a strategic meeting with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi; and members of a Turkish delegation.
According to the ambassador, Nigeria previously ranked fourth among countries with the highest number of irregular migrants in Türkiye before his assumption of office, but has now fallen out of the top six. He said the decline reflects sustained collaboration between Nigerian and Turkish authorities, particularly in migration management and diplomatic coordination.
The ambassador also revealed that 4,600 Nigerian students are officially registered in Türkiye, while an additional 3,700 Nigerians are studying in Northern Cyprus, underscoring the growing educational ties between both countries.
Poroy highlighted a recurring challenge in the past involving forged Schengen visas and falsified travel documents by some Nigerians, noting that close cooperation with the Nigerian Embassy has led to a drastic reduction in such incidents.
He explained that the primary purpose of his visit was to formally present a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. The proposed agreement, he said, is aimed at fostering mutually beneficial economic partnerships, boosting investment, enhancing technical cooperation, and creating employment opportunities.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, Poroy said his country remains focused on deepening economic engagement with Nigeria while sustaining gains recorded in migration control.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for continued collaboration to address the challenges of illegal migration involving Nigerians in Türkiye. She welcomed the proposed MoU, noting that it would be finalised between NiDCOM and the Turkish Embassy to ensure timely implementation and tangible outcomes for Nigerians in the diaspora.
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