Erdogan Reaffirms $5bn Trade Target as Nigeria–Türkiye Deepen Economic, Security Ties
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, signaling a major push to deepen bilateral economic relations between both nations.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ankara at a joint press briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Nigerian leader’s State Visit, President Erdogan said discussions toward the trade target were already underway and backed by concrete institutional frameworks.
He announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, describing it as a critical platform that would drive trade expansion and support increased Turkish investments in Nigeria.
“We see significant potential in the fields of trade and investment. In today’s meetings, our commitment is to the target of a $5 billion trade volume, and we discussed the steps that need to be taken,” Erdogan said.
He praised President Tinubu’s resolve to attract foreign investment, noting that the presence of several Nigerian ministers and top government officials on the visit underscored that determination.
According to Erdogan, both leaders conducted an extensive review of bilateral relations spanning trade, investment, energy, education and the defence industry, with energy cooperation identified as a key growth area. He expressed optimism that partnerships between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts would yield tangible outcomes, particularly following Nigeria’s recent economic and energy sector reforms.
Beyond trade, security cooperation featured prominently in the talks. President Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support to Nigeria in tackling terrorism and instability, especially within the Sahel region, citing his country’s experience in counter-insurgency.
“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu,” he said, adding that discussions had covered military training, intelligence sharing and defence industry collaboration.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, thanked Türkiye for its openness and willingness to partner with Nigeria in promoting global peace, stability and shared prosperity. He emphasized the importance of trade without barriers and the need to build inclusive economies that integrate vulnerable populations.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform and get vulnerable people involved in the economy? How do we ensure peace in the world?” Tinubu asked.
The Nigerian President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability despite security challenges, noting that both leaders discussed joint efforts to counter terrorism, banditry and other forces of destabilisation.
Tinubu also commended Erdogan’s role in promoting peace beyond Türkiye’s borders, particularly his engagement in Somalia, describing it as a notable contribution to global stability.
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At the conclusion of the bilateral engagements, officials from both countries exchanged nine agreements, covering diaspora policy, defence cooperation, higher education, media and communication, halal quality infrastructure, social services, and the formal establishment of the Economy and Trade Joint Committee.
The agreements, both leaders said, reflect a shared resolve to strengthen economic ties, deepen security collaboration and jointly promote democracy, development and prosperity across Africa and beyond.
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