Tinubu, Erdoğan Deepen Nigeria–Turkey Energy and Defence Partnership with New MoU Plans
Nigeria and Türkiye are moving to a new level of strategic cooperation as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara for high-level talks focused on energy development, defence collaboration, education, innovation, and trade expansion.
The official visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering energy, scientific research, technical cooperation, media and communication, and military collaboration. A joint business forum bringing together Nigerian and Turkish investors is also scheduled, aimed at unlocking fresh investment opportunities between both countries.
According to the Turkish Presidency, discussions between the two leaders centered on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional and global developments, with a strong emphasis on practical cooperation across security, aviation, education, and economic growth.
Energy and Trade at the Center of Talks
Energy development is a key pillar of the renewed partnership. Nigeria’s vast oil, gas, and mineral resources present major opportunities for Turkish investors, while Türkiye’s expertise in construction, engineering, and manufacturing offers solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure needs.
Bilateral trade has continued to grow steadily, reaching $688.4 million in the first 11 months of 2025. When energy trade is included, Nigeria has become Türkiye’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Türkiye exports iron and steel, machinery, textiles, food products, and furniture to Nigeria, while importing crude oil and agricultural goods. Over 50 Turkish companies currently operate in Nigeria with investments estimated at $400 million, while Turkish contractors have executed projects worth nearly $3 billion across construction, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Growing Defence and Security Cooperation
Defence collaboration has become one of the most visible aspects of the relationship. The Nigerian Air Force previously acquired Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles and six ATAK T129 attack helicopters, highlighting Nigeria’s interest in Türkiye’s growing defence industry.
New agreements in military training, security cooperation, and defence technology are expected to further strengthen this strategic partnership.
Historical Ties Dating Back Centuries
Relations between the two nations are not new. Historical records show that ties date back to the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire’s interactions with the Kanem-Bornu Empire. In 1576, Sultan Idris Elevma of Kanem-Bornu sent envoys to Ottoman Sultan Murad III requesting military and technical support, which was granted.
Modern diplomatic relations were formally established after Nigeria’s independence in 1960, with Türkiye opening one of its earliest African embassies in Lagos in 1962.
Investment Opportunities in Nigeria
Beyond politics and defence, Nigeria presents major economic opportunities for Turkish investors. The country faces a housing deficit of about 17 million units and spends an estimated $2 billion annually on overseas healthcare services, indicating strong demand for investment in housing, healthcare, and transport infrastructure.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Cultural and human connections also continue to grow. Nigerian students studying in Türkiye, activities by the Yunus Emre Institute, and regular Turkish Airlines flights to Lagos and Abuja are strengthening people-to-people ties.
As Türkiye advances its Africa outreach policy, Nigeria has emerged as a critical strategic partner. The Tinubu-Erdoğan meeting signals a new phase in this relationship, with energy, defence, and economic cooperation set to define the next chapter of Nigeria–Turkey relations.
