President Tinubu Embarks on Strategic State Visit to Turkiye
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched a high-profile diplomatic mission to Turkiye on Monday, January 26, 2026, signaling a renewed era of Tinubu Turkiye state visit diplomacy focused on economic growth and international collaboration. The departure from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport underscores the administration’s commitment to “Economic Diplomacy,” aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and revitalizing key sectors of the national economy.
The visit comes at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, building on the momentum established during Erdogan’s visit to Abuja in 2021.
Air Force 1 lifted off at 2:05 PM, carrying a delegation of ministers, security chiefs, and senior officials tasked with advancing the mission’s objectives. Beyond consolidating existing bilateral relations, the visit will explore opportunities in security, innovation, aviation, and social development. With bilateral trade between Nigeria and Turkiye already nearing $880 million annually, officials expect the engagements to surpass the billion-dollar mark by the end of the fiscal year.
The delegation features ministers aligned with the core priorities of the mission, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd).
Discussions during the visit will culminate in several Memoranda of Understanding across critical sectors, such as defense collaboration and counter-terrorism intelligence, renewable energy and power infrastructure, technical exchange programs for broadcasting and digital media, and social development initiatives in education, culture, and the creative economy.
A central highlight of the three-day mission is the Nigeria-Turkiye Business Forum, which will bring together leading industry figures from both nations to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, and technology. In addition, President Tinubu is set to meet with representatives from Turkey’s defense sector, an area where Ankara has made world-class advancements in drones and maritime security.
While political negotiations proceed in Ankara, the business delegation will focus on attracting foreign direct investment and creating employment opportunities within Nigeria’s industrial and technology sectors. The administration has emphasized that “Nigeria is open for business,” with this visit serving as a practical demonstration of that stance.
High-ranking officials, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, saw the President off at the airport. As Nigerians follow the mission closely, expectations remain high for tangible outcomes in security, technological partnerships, and industrial development. The President is expected to return with a suite of agreements and initiatives designed to accelerate economic growth and drive sustainable development across the nation.