By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria.
Erdogan disclosed this on Tuesday in Ankara during a joint press briefing with President Bola Tinubu.
The briefing was held during President Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye.
The commitment was conveyed in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Erdogan said discussions toward meeting the trade target had already commenced between both countries.
He announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to drive investment expansion and commercial cooperation.
“Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations in trade, investment, energy, education and defence industry.
“We have significant potential in trade and investment, and we are committed to the $5 billion trade volume target.
“The Joint Economy and Trade Committee we agreed to establish today will be instrumental in supporting investments in Nigeria,” he said.
Erdogan praised Tinubu’s commitment to attracting investment, citing the presence of Nigerian ministers and senior officials as evidence of strong political will.
He commended Nigeria’s recent reforms in the energy sector, describing them as critical to economic restructuring.
Erdogan expressed optimism that cooperation between Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would yield positive outcomes.
On regional security, Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support to Nigeria in combating terrorism, particularly within the Sahel region.
“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.
“We are ready to share our country’s significant experience in military training and intelligence cooperation.
“I believe we will soon see positive outcomes from engagements with our defence industry companies,” he said.
In his remarks, Tinubu thanked Türkiye for its openness and willingness to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors.
“We commend your willingness to collaborate and work together to promote freedom, stability and shared prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He stressed the importance of building inclusive economies that support vulnerable populations.
“How do we build an inclusive economy together and ensure vulnerable people are involved in economic growth?” he asked.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability in spite of ongoing security challenges.
“We discussed efforts against terrorism and how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he said.
Tinubu also praised Erdogan’s role in promoting global peace, particularly Türkiye’s engagement in Somalia.
At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, both countries exchanged nine cooperation agreements.
They covered diaspora policy, defence cooperation, trade committee establishment, halal quality infrastructure, education, media, diplomacy training, social services and women affairs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
