Nigeria and Turkey have signed multiple bilateral agreements, extending from energy to defence.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari welcomed his counterpart Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday at an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in the capital Abuja.
President Erdogan announced at a joint press the signing of several deals, reflecting on how these would expand on strong existing bilateral relations.
Erdogan said; “2022 will mark 60 years of relations with Nigeria,” adding that the current bilateral trade stands at $2B.
Buhari shared that the two sides signed multiple agreements on defence, energy, mining and hydrocarbon. He shared his appreciation of Turkey for hosting over 4M refugees in hard times.
He thanked Buhari for Nigeria’s warm hospitality and offered condolences on a recent terror attack in Goronyo.
Erdogan added Turkey will help Nigeria with counterterrorism measures.
Erdogan, first lady Emine, and a large Turkish delegation were earlier welcomed by a guard of honour.
Accompanying Erdogan is a group of top Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez, Trade Minister Mehmet Mus, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun and presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin.
The president on Sunday started a four-day tour of three African countries, including Angola, Togo, and Nigeria.
Erdogan’s tour, set to end later on Wednesday, is considered significant for new cooperation opportunities in Africa.
According to estimates, the West African country of Nigeria boasts Africa’s biggest economy, with a gross domestic product of some $500 billion.