By Ayomide Otitoju
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday reaffirmed his country’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, highlighting readiness to deepen cooperation in military training and intelligence.
Speaking at a joint press conference with President Bola Tinubu during the latter’s official visit to Ankara, Erdogan said Nigeria, under Tinubu’s leadership, is taking firm steps against terrorism, and Türkiye stands with the Nigerian people in the struggle.
“We are ready to share Türkiye’s significant experience in counterterrorism,” Erdogan said, as quoted by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. He also warned that terrorist groups, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, threaten continental stability.
During the visit, Nigerian officials met with Türkiye’s leading defense industry firms, expressing confidence in positive outcomes from the talks. On economic ties, Erdogan and Tinubu reaffirmed a $5 billion bilateral trade target and discussed concrete measures to achieve it, including the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
Erdogan noted that the visit reflects Nigeria’s strong political will to expand economic engagement and welcomed cooperation between Turkish firms, including the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and BOTAS, and Nigerian energy companies. He said Nigeria plays a key role in reshaping Africa’s energy sector and Türkiye is eager to strengthen investment and trade relations in the oil and gas industry.
The visit aims to build on existing cordial relations and explore further collaboration in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation. Nigeria has been battling an insurgency for over 12 years, with thousands killed and displaced.
