Chairman of the Nigeria Türkiye Business Council (NTBC), Dele Oye, has commended the outgoing Commercial Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Abuja, Sefa Akyol, for his role in advancing Nigeria and Türkiye’s $5 billion bilateral trade target.

Oye spoke at a dinner organised in Akyol’s honour in Abuja, with diplomats, business leaders and representatives of trade institutions from both countries in attendance.

He said Akyol played a key role in strengthening collaboration among the NTBC, Türkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), describing the partnership as important to deepening economic ties between the two countries.

According to Oye, Akyol contributed significantly to efforts aimed at translating the two countries’ trade ambitions into measurable outcomes.

“Akyol has been instrumental in advancing the ambitious economic goals shared by our two nations. He worked to turn the vision of a $5 billion bilateral trade volume into a tangible reality,” he said.

Oye noted that beyond diplomatic engagements, Akyol facilitated trade missions, business summits and high-level meetings that strengthened cooperation among the institutions. He added that the engagements resulted in agreements across sectors, including manufacturing, energy, agriculture and industry.

He also praised Akyol for fostering strong relationships during his tenure, saying the ties built would sustain future collaboration between both countries.

“You leave behind a stronger, more vibrant economic partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye. The work you have done will continue to yield results for years to come,” Oye added.