The Turkish government has restated its commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation with Nigeria as the two countries mark 66 years of formal relations.
Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, made the pledge at a reception in Abuja last week to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
Poroy recalled that the republic was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, following years of struggle for independence after the First World War and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
He described the anniversary as a defining moment in the country’s history and said the principles that guided the establishment of the modern Turkish state remained relevant.
The ambassador also cited the philosophy of the republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which emphasises peace at home and peace in the world.
Speaking on relations with Nigeria, Poroy said Türkiye opened its Consulate General in Lagos in April 1959 before diplomatic ties were elevated to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, shortly after Nigeria gained independence.
He said both countries had since developed cooperation across several sectors, guided by mutual respect, friendship and shared benefits.
Poroy added that Türkiye’s engagement with Africa was supported by its strategic partnership with the African Union, established in 2008. He also disclosed that more than 100 Turkish companies were operating in Nigeria.
The reception featured a video message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who congratulated citizens in Türkiye, Turkish Cypriots and Turkish nationals living abroad on the anniversary.
In a separate congratulatory message, the Nigerian government highlighted nine agreements signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara earlier in January.
The agreements were described as providing a framework for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education and media.
The renewed commitment comes as both countries seek to build on decades of diplomatic engagement and expand economic opportunities across areas of shared interest.
Deborah Adeyefa
