The Integrity Group of Nigeria has urged citizens to focus on the results of President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Türkiye, rather than his minor misstep during official proceedings. On Tuesday, Nigeria and Türkiye signed nine landmark agreements in Ankara in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Tinubu.
Speaking to the media in Abuja, Dr Oke Idawene, Chairman and Convener of the Integrity Group, praised President Tinubu for securing agreements that could strengthen Nigeria’s trade, education, security, and cultural ties.
Dr Idawene described the president’s misstep as a trivial human moment that should not overshadow his achievements. “No man is infallible,” he said. “Accidents of this kind could happen to anyone, even in our homes. The real story is the benefits of these agreements, which will help Nigeria for years to come.”
He also criticised those who mocked the president, saying destructive comments detract from the historic gains of the visit.
The agreements were signed following one-on-one and delegation-level meetings at the Presidential Palace in Ankara. They included memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements covering diaspora policy, media and communication, higher education, halal accreditation, military cooperation, and diplomatic training.
Both countries adopted a Joint Declaration to establish the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), aimed at boosting business, investment, and economic collaboration.
Key agreements include an MoU on diaspora policy between the Presidency of Turks Abroad and Related Communities of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission. Another MoU covers media and communication, and a separate agreement focuses on higher education initiatives.
Halal certification and quality infrastructure were included, with the Halal Accreditation Agency of Türkiye partnering with Nigeria’s National Accreditation System. A protocol on military cooperation and an agreement on education cooperation were also signed.
Further agreements include an MoU between Türkiye’s Diplomatic Academy and Nigeria’s Foreign Service Academy to promote training and exchange for diplomats. Social policy cooperation was strengthened through an agreement between Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Policies and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Nigeria began on 9 November 1960. Over the years, trade has grown steadily. In the first eleven months of 2025, bilateral trade reached $688.4 million, with Nigeria becoming Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
More than 50 Turkish-owned companies now operate in Nigeria, with total investments of about $400 million. Turkish contractors have also undertaken projects in Nigeria worth nearly $3 billion.
Security cooperation remains a priority, particularly in counterterrorism. Nigeria and Türkiye have strengthened ties in military, defence, and security sectors, supporting regional stability.
Education has benefited as well. Between 1992 and 2023, 199 Nigerian students graduated through Türkiye scholarships, while 149 students are currently studying there. These programmes aim to improve skills and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
Dr Idawene said the agreements mark a milestone in Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic diplomacy. “President Tinubu has delivered tangible results that will benefit Nigerians in trade, education, security, and social development. The stumble is trivial; the outcomes are historic,” he said.
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