President Bola Tinubu is set to depart the nation’s capital today, Monday, January 26, 2026, for a high-level state visit to the Republic of Türkiye. This diplomatic mission, confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, marks a significant step in reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two G20 nations.
The visit serves as a reciprocal gesture following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official trip to Nigeria in October 2021, signaling a new chapter in Abuja-Ankara diplomacy.
Strategic Objectives: A Multilateral Focus
The administration aims to move beyond traditional diplomacy, targeting several high-impact sectors for deeper cooperation. The mission is designed to “unlock new frontiers” in the following areas:
- Security & Defense: Enhancing military protocols, intelligence sharing, and technical collaboration.
- Economic Expansion: Identifying new avenues for trade, cross-border investment, and innovative financial frameworks.
- Infrastructure & Innovation: A specific focus on aviation, renewable energy, and collaborative scientific research.
- Human Development: Advancing joint initiatives in education, media, and social development.
The Agenda: From MoUs to the Business Forum
The state visit is structured to produce tangible results through high-level consultations and private-sector engagement.
The Business Forum
A cornerstone of the trip is a dedicated Business Forum. This event will bring together elite investors from both Nigeria and Türkiye to scout for fresh opportunities in manufacturing, tech, and agriculture.
Formalizing Agreements
The visit is expected to conclude with the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These documents will provide a legal and operational framework for cooperation in:
- Energy and technical research.
- Media and communications.
- Military protocol and defense technology.
A High-Powered Delegation
To ensure the success of these bilateral talks, President Tinubu is accompanied by a robust team of cabinet members and security chiefs:
- Diplomacy and Justice: Yusuf Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and Lateef Fagbemi, SAN (Attorney General).
- National Security: Gen. Christopher Musa (retd) (Minister of Defence), Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser), and Mohammed Mohammed (DG, National Intelligence Agency).
- Infrastructure and Internal Affairs: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Minister of Interior) and Jimi Benson (House Committee on Defence).
- Social and Creative Economy: Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim (Minister of Women Affairs) and Hannatu Musawa (Minister of Culture and Creative Economy).
“The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations and exploring further areas of cooperation,” stated Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the focus on aviation and innovation.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja immediately following the conclusion of these strategic engagements.
