Recently Added: 
This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Visit to Türkiye (2026), conducted at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was an official state visit carried out between 26–28 January 2026. The visit was organized to comprehensively assess bilateral relations between Türkiye and Nigeria, expand existing areas of cooperation, and sign new agreements.
On 25 January 2026, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria would undertake an official visit to Türkiye from 26 to 28 January 2026 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Duran stated in his announcement that discussions during the visit would cover all aspects of bilateral relations between Türkiye and Nigeria, and that agreements aimed at deepening cooperation were planned.
According to the announcement, the talks were also expected to include comprehensive exchanges on regional and international issues. On the sidelines of the visit, a roundtable meeting with business leaders and a session on defense industry cooperation were scheduled.
On 27 January 2026, President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu was officially welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex. Tinubu’s official vehicle was escorted by 103 cavalrymen, commemorating the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, and the convoy proceeded to the protocol gate of the Complex.
During the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a 21-gun salute. Flags and military personnel representing the 16 Turkish states in history were present on the ceremony grounds. President Tinubu greeted the Honor Guard Battalion with the phrase “Hello soldier.” Presidents Erdoğan and Tinubu introduced their respective delegations and posed for photographs with the Turkish and Nigerian flags before the press.
Among those present at the ceremony were: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Chief of Presidential Staff Hakkı Susmaz, Director of the National Intelligence Organization İbrahim Kalın, Head of the Presidential Defense Industry Haluk Görgün, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç, and Governor of Ankara Vasip Şahin.
Following the ceremony, the two leaders proceeded to bilateral and delegation-level talks at the Presidential Complex.
Following the official ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria held a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Complex, followed by an expanded meeting attended by delegations from both countries.
The talks addressed relations between the two countries in the areas of trade, investment, energy, education, and defense industry. In a statement after the meeting, President Erdoğan confirmed that the target of a $5 billion trade volume had been reaffirmed and that steps to achieve this goal were under review.
Erdoğan emphasized that Turkish Petroleum and BOTAŞ place importance on cooperation with Nigerian entities. Additionally, mutual agreement was reached on establishing the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) between the two countries.
In the field of education, the Agreement on Cooperation in Education was signed between the Republic of Türkiye and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Erdoğan announced that the Maarif Foundation would begin operations in Nigeria and that new educational opportunities would be provided to Nigerian youth under this initiative.
Under development cooperation, it was planned that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) would open an office in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. On security matters, Erdoğan and Tinubu assessed opportunities for cooperation in military training and intelligence. The discussion also covered the sharing of Türkiye’s experience in combating terrorism. In this context, the two countries signed the Protocol on Military Cooperation.
In the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a total of nine agreements were signed between the two countries.
The signed agreements are as follows:
One of these nine agreements, the Agreement on Cooperation in Media and Communication, was signed by Presidential Communications Director Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran and Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Under the agreement, the parties committed to sharing information and experience, mutual exchange of best practices, supporting joint projects, and organizing training, workshops, seminars, and conferences in media, communication, and broadcasting.
In accordance with the agreement, the parties will cooperate to increase mutual visits by officials and experts and to conduct joint initiatives. The document entered into force on the date of signing and will remain valid for three years.
Following bilateral and delegation-level talks at the Presidential Complex, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a joint press conference.
Erdoğan expressed great satisfaction at hosting President Tinubu, the first Nigerian president to make an official visit to Türkiye, and wished that the outcomes of their talks and the meetings between Tinubu’s delegation and Turkish business circles would bring prosperity.
Erdoğan noted that Nigeria, beyond being a friendly country to Türkiye, is one of Türkiye’s closest trade partners in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 230 million. He added: “Nigeria is also a strategically important country with which we maintain close cooperation within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the D-8 on numerous issues concerning the Islamic world, beginning with Palestine. Today, we comprehensively reviewed our relations in trade, investment, energy, education, and defense industry. As you will recall, during my visit to Nigeria in October 2021, we laid the foundation for this cooperation, and today we have taken decisions to advance it significantly. I am pleased to observe strong political will and determination on Nigeria’s side as well. The presence of numerous ministers and senior officials accompanying President Tinubu is the clearest indication of this political resolve.”
Erdoğan emphasized that the two countries see significant potential, especially in trade and investment, stating: “During today’s talks, we reaffirmed our commitment to the $5 billion trade target and discussed the necessary steps. We also explored opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the Joint Economic and Trade Commission we agreed to establish today will contribute positively in this regard. Under development cooperation, we aim to enhance the welfare of our Nigerian brothers and sisters through the opening of a TİKA office in Abuja.”
Highlighting that Nigeria is “Africa’s largest producer of oil and natural gas,” Erdoğan said: “Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has placed significant emphasis on the energy sector in his efforts to restructure the national economy. We wish to assess this potential, both in terms of investment and commercial dimensions, and we attach great importance to cooperation between Turkish Petroleum and BOTAŞ and Nigerian entities.”
Erdoğan stressed that terrorist organizations emerging in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, pose a threat to the entire continent. He said: “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we stand alongside our friend Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. Indeed, today we assessed opportunities for closer cooperation in military training and intelligence. We affirmed our readiness to share Türkiye’s significant experience in combating terrorism. I also believe that the meetings between Nigerian officials and our leading defense industry firms during this visit will yield positive results soon.”
Erdoğan noted that cooperation in education was a key agenda item, adding: “We are delighted that many Nigerian youth receive education in our country. We also believe that with the Maarif Foundation beginning its activities in Nigeria, we will offer additional opportunities to Nigeria’s young population. Today’s Agreement on Cooperation in Education will further strengthen the foundation of our collaboration. Once again, I thank my brother Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visit to our country. I send my warmest greetings to the friendly and brotherly people of Nigeria.”
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Turkish people and President Erdoğan for their warm reception, adding: “Thank you also for your readiness to cooperate.” He emphasized that both countries addressed important issues, stating: “We discussed trade, avoidance of double taxation, and the removal of various barriers. We saw that we are ready to work together and build shared prosperity.”
Tinubu underscored that the two countries focused on matters beneficial to their peoples, particularly economic activities, saying: “We spoke about contributions we can make to the stability and peace of Africa. As Nigeria, we are at the heart of the continent. We are a country surrounded by challenges, trials, and instability.”
Tinubu highlighted that the fight against terrorism was also discussed, stating: “Destabilization and banditry are activities we encounter in our region and observe around us—activities that spread fear. We discussed them and demonstrated our ability to work together to overcome them. Thank you for this, my dear brother.”
Tinubu affirmed his commitment to democracy and freedom, saying: “We noted your comments regarding Somalia. You can trust me on this matter. I wish to reiterate once again that you can have full confidence in our commitment to democracy, freedoms, and prosperity. Thank you.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted a state dinner at the Presidential Complex in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria. The dinner was held behind closed doors for the press. The event was attended by delegations from Türkiye and Nigeria.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made an official visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from 26 to 28 January 2026. During the visit, the two leaders met at the Presidential Complex and discussed cooperation in trade defense energy education and communications. Following the talks the parties signed nine separate agreements and confirmed their target of a five billion dollar trade volume.
No Discussion Added Yet
Start discussion for "Visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Türkiye (2026)" article
January 28, 2026
Announcement and Preparation Process
January 28, 2026
Official Welcome Ceremony (27 January 2026)
January 28, 2026
Talks and Bilateral Relations
January 28, 2026
Agreements Signed
January 28, 2026
Joint Press Conference and Statements
January 28, 2026
Official Dinner