Foreign ministers of Türkiye, Nigeria hold talks in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted his Nigerian counterpart Yusuf Maitama Tuggar for diplomatic talks in Ankara on Monday, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Inaugural Visit and Expanding Bilateral Ties

The meeting marked Foreign Minister Tuggar's first official visit to Türkiye since his appointment. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared photos of the encounter without disclosing specific details of the discussions. Diplomatic relations between Ankara and Abuja have been established since 1960 and have grown substantially in recent years.

Robust Economic and Security Partnership

Nigeria has emerged as Türkiye's largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with bilateral trade reaching $688.4 million in the first eleven months of 2025. Over 50 Turkish companies operate in Nigeria, with investments totaling approximately $400 million. Turkish contractors are also active, having undertaken projects worth nearly $3 billion. Cooperation extends to robust security and defense industry collaboration, supporting Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts.

Educational and Cultural Links

People-to-people ties are strengthened through educational programs. Under Türkiye's scholarship scheme, 199 Nigerian students have graduated between 1992 and 2023, with an additional 149 students currently pursuing their studies in the country, fostering long-term academic and cultural connections.