President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said Nigeria is strengthening economic, security and diplomatic ties with the Republic of Türkiye, as both countries agreed to work towards a $5 billion bilateral trade volume.

Tinubu spoke in Ankara during a joint press briefing with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the State House, following high-level bilateral talks held as part of his state visit to Türkiye.

The Nigerian leader underscored the importance of open trade, inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity, stressing that Nigeria is keen on partnerships that expand opportunities and empower vulnerable populations.

“What is important to the countries being discussed is trade and business without restrictions, giving opportunities to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper,” Tinubu said.

“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform the economy and involve vulnerable people? How do we ensure peace in the world?”

President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa despite security challenges in parts of the country, noting that discussions with Türkiye covered cooperation against terrorism and other agents of destabilisation.

“We discussed efforts against terrorism. We discussed how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he added.

In his remarks, President Erdoğan disclosed that Türkiye and Nigeria are targeting a $5 billion trade volume, up from the current $2 billion, and confirmed that talks to achieve the target have already begun.

Erdoğan said the newly established Joint Economy and Trade Committee would play a critical role in expanding Turkish investments in Nigeria and unlocking the vast trade and investment potential between both countries.

“Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations in trade, investment, energy, education and defence industry,” Erdoğan said.

“We see significant potential in trade and investment. Our commitment is to the $5 billion trade volume target, and we discussed the steps needed to achieve it.”

Türkiye currently exports aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, and chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria exports crude oil and agricultural products to Türkiye.

The Turkish leader applauded President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly in the energy sector, describing them as central to Nigeria’s economic restructuring.

He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian partners would deliver positive results.

On security, Erdoğan pledged Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, citing Ankara’s experience in combating terrorism.

“Terrorist organisations, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent. We stand by the people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.

At the end of the bilateral meeting, officials of both countries signed nine agreements covering defence cooperation, diaspora policy, education, media and communication, social services, diplomacy training, halal quality infrastructure, and the establishment of the Economy and Trade Joint Committee.