• Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to Turkey on Jan. 26, 2026, for a state visit.

• Nigeria and Turkey plan to sign multiple memorandums of understanding covering energy, defense, research, and media.

• Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $877.8 million in 2024, according to ITC data.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will undertake a state visit to Turkey on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. The trip comes as Abuja and Ankara deepen economic ties and seek to expand cooperation across new strategic areas.

The visit aims to strengthen existing bilateral relations and open additional avenues for partnership. Authorities from both countries intend to reinforce commercial cooperation while broadening engagement in priority sectors.

During the visit, Nigeria and Turkey will hold high-level political and diplomatic discussions. Officials will focus on shared values and mutual interests in finance, communication, trade, and investment.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO UNDERTAKE STATE VISIT TO TÜRKIYE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two… pic.twitter.com/3stgTjAtZi

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) January 25, 2026

The agenda includes meetings between senior officials and the signing of several memorandums of understanding. These agreements will cover scientific research, energy, military cooperation, media, and communication. The program also includes an economic forum designed to promote business ties and investment opportunities.

Nigeria and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1962 and have steadily expanded cooperation since then. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria on Oct. 19–20, 2021, which accelerated bilateral engagement.

Beyond trade, cooperation between Abuja and Ankara spans strategic sectors such as energy and defense. On the commercial front, trade flows between the two countries reached $877.8 million in 2024, according to data from the International Trade Center.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (intern)

Adapted in English by Ange J.A. de BERRY QUENUM