Turkey announced plans to raise bilateral trade with Nigeria from about $2 billion to $5 billion after talks between Presidents Tayyip Erdogan and Bola Tinubu on Jan. 28. The two countries signed agreements on defence, infrastructure, trade and investment and agreed to cooperate on countering Sahel insurgency. Erdogan offered Turkish support in military training and intelligence, while Tinubu underscored his push for foreign investment and inclusive economic reforms since 2023.
Turkey Seeks $5 Billion Trade Ties With Nigeria, Signs Deals and Offers Sahel Security Support
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the media at the end of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 23, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
By Camillus Eboh
ABUJA, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Turkey said on Tuesday it aims to raise bilateral trade with Nigeria from roughly $2 billion to $5 billion, President Tayyip Erdogan announced after talks with visiting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Trade Push and Commercial Links
Erdogan highlighted existing trade flows between the two countries: Turkey exports aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, and chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and a range of agricultural commodities.
"We see significant potential in the fields of trade and investment. In today's meetings, our commitment is to the $5 billion trade volume target, and we discussed the steps needed," Erdogan said, without specifying a timeline for reaching the goal but adding that preliminary talks have already begun.
Agreements Reached
The leaders signed agreements covering defence cooperation, infrastructure development, trade and investment, and joint measures to address insurgency in Africa's Sahel region. Erdogan said the pacts include opportunities for closer military training and intelligence cooperation.
"Terrorist organisations emerging particularly in Africa's Sahel region pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent," Erdogan said. "We discussed opportunities for closer cooperation in military training and intelligence, and we are ready to share our country's significant experience."
Tinubu's Investment Push
President Tinubu, who has promoted reforms since taking office in 2023, emphasized the need to attract foreign investment to boost growth in Africa's most populous country.
"Trade, business, no restrictions, giving opportunities to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper," Tinubu said, stressing inclusive growth and the importance of involving vulnerable populations in economic gains.
Next Steps
Nigerian officials are expected to hold meetings with leading Turkish defence industry companies during the visit to explore defence cooperation further. Erdogan said Turkey would draw on its own experience combating militant groups to support Nigeria's fight against insurgency.
Reporting: Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; further reporting by Camillus Eboh. Editing: Chizu Nomiyama.
Help us improve.
