A new chapter in West African-Eurasian diplomacy unfolds this Monday as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, embarks on his maiden official visit to Türkiye. The high-level talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signify a deepening partnership between two of the most influential members of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.
Economic Milestones: A Billion-Dollar Trajectory
The relationship has evolved far beyond traditional diplomacy into a robust economic engine.
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Trade Volume: In the first 11 months of 2025 alone, bilateral trade (excluding energy) reached $688.4 million.
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The Energy Factor: When energy is accounted for, Nigeria secured its position as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.
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Investment Footprint: Over 50 Turkish firms currently operate within Nigeria, with a combined investment value of approximately $400 million.
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Infrastructure Powerhouse: Turkish contractors are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s landscape, with ongoing projects nearing a total valuation of $3 billion.
Defense and Counter-Terrorism: The New Frontier
Defense cooperation is expected to dominate the agenda. Türkiye has emerged as a key ally in Abuja’s counter-terrorism efforts, offering advanced military hardware and security intelligence. Minister Fidan is expected to emphasize:
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Military Hardware: Strengthening the supply chain for defense equipment to aid Nigeria’s domestic security operations.
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Solidarity in Combat: Joint efforts in identifying and neutralizing regional terrorist organizations.
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Stability in West Africa: Fidan is set to commend Nigeria’s role as a “constructive force” for peace in the ECOWAS region.
Global Diplomacy and the “Gaza Contact Group”
As prominent members of the OIC-Arab League Gaza Contact Group, the two ministers will discuss the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. Türkiye and Nigeria maintain a consensus on:
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The implementation of a two-state solution.
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The preservation of a ceasefire in Gaza and the urgent improvement of humanitarian aid delivery.
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Support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with international law.
Human Capital and Education
The “soft power” of education continues to bind the two nations. Since 1992, nearly 200 Nigerian students have graduated via Turkish scholarships. Currently, 149 Nigerian scholars are studying in Türkiye, specializing in fields that will eventually support the $3 billion infrastructure projects back home.
The Outlook: Minister Tuggar’s visit is more than a diplomatic courtesy; it is a signal that Nigeria is diversifying its strategic partnerships. By aligning with Türkiye’s burgeoning defense industry and infrastructure expertise, Abuja is positioning itself to leverage Turkish “Anatolian Tiger” economic principles for its own industrial growth.
