Abuja — Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Turkey, with renewed focus on visa facilitation, business mobility and stronger consular cooperation, as both countries seek to remove administrative bottlenecks hindering trade and people-to-people exchanges.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this on Tuesday while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mehmet Poroy, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja. He described the engagement as timely and substantive, noting that the long-standing historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Turkey provide a solid foundation for expanded cooperation.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria is pursuing a smart, structured and practical approach to international partnerships that prioritises legitimate travel, business engagement and effective visa administration. According to him, streamlined visa processes are critical to promoting economic activity and strengthening diplomatic relations.
The minister and the ambassador exchanged gifts during the visit, underscoring the cordial nature of the bilateral engagement.
In his remarks, Ambassador Poroy disclosed that recent collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior has led to improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey.
He explained that Turkish visa applications are now processed locally in Nigeria, allowing verified business travellers to receive approvals within three to four days.
However, the envoy raised concerns over difficulties encountered by Turkish businesspeople seeking Nigerian visas for trade fairs, investments and other commercial activities. He cited inconsistencies in information on Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to ensure accurate guidance for applicants.
Poroy also appealed for Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system, noting that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul forces applicants to travel to Ankara, creating logistical and financial challenges. He said inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly ease business travel and enhance bilateral trade.
Responding, Tunji-Ojo assured that Nigeria has no interest in denying visas to genuine businesspeople, stressing that transparency, dialogue and continuous improvement remain central to the ministry’s visa administration reforms. He reiterated Nigeria’s openness to credible investors and international business partners.
READ ALSO: Trump Triggers Global Alarm, Assert Himself Acting President of Venezuela
The discussions also addressed the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. Tunji-Ojo clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and do not require additional verification. Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the issue and pledged to review the Turkish Embassy’s procedures.
Both sides agreed to sustain engagement aimed at resolving outstanding concerns and further strengthening diplomatic relations and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey.
About The Author
