Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Nigeria reached a new strategic level following high-level talks in Ankara on Sunday, underscoring a rapidly expanding partnership spanning security, trade, energy and cultural cooperation.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Nigerian counterpart Yusuf Tuggar, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer coordination on regional and global security challenges, according to official statements issued after the talks.
Turkey formally acknowledged Nigeria’s role in supporting peace and stability in West Africa, as countries across the Sahel face political transitions and persistent security pressures.
Alignment on Gaza and Regional Diplomacy
The two ministers also aligned positions on the war in Gaza. As members of the OIC–Arab League Gaza Contact Group, Turkey and Nigeria agreed to pursue coordinated diplomatic efforts in support of a lasting ceasefire and a two-state solution.
Turkey additionally sought Nigeria’s backing for the Ankara Process, a diplomatic initiative aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s territorial integrity amid continued instability in the Horn of Africa.
Trade and Energy Cooperation Expands
Economic ties featured prominently in the talks. Official trade data for 2025 shows Nigeria has become Turkey’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa when energy imports are included.
Between January and November 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately $688.4 million, with full-year figures expected to exceed $800 million, officials said.
Nigeria remains a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil to Turkey, contributing to a sharp rise in Turkish energy imports in late 2025.
Turkish commercial activity in Nigeria continues to grow, with more than 50 Turkish companies operating in the country. Total Turkish investment is estimated at $400 million, concentrated in hygiene products, textiles, manufacturing and construction.
Turkish contractors have completed projects in Nigeria valued at nearly $3 billion, according to Turkish officials. Hayat Kimya accounts for roughly $200 million of industrial investment.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense ties have expanded into what officials described as strategic cooperation. Turkey is providing training and intelligence-sharing support to Nigerian forces as Abuja intensifies operations against armed groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Following the delivery of T-129 ATAK helicopters in 2024, Nigeria is set to integrate Turkish-made patrol vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles into its coastal and border security operations in 2026.
Educational cooperation also continues to expand, with 149 Nigerian students currently studying in Turkey under government-sponsored scholarship programs, many in engineering and technical fields.
Cultural Cooperation and Artifact Repatriation
A notable outcome of the talks was progress on cultural cooperation. Turkish authorities have identified 76 Nigerian cultural artifacts held in Turkey, and a process has begun for their return.
Officials said a formal cultural cooperation agreement could be signed during a planned visit by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later in 2026.
Strategic Outlook
Sunday’s talks highlight Turkey’s deepening engagement in Africa and Nigeria’s growing role as a key strategic partner. Officials from both sides said cooperation would continue to expand across economic, security and cultural sectors in the coming years.
