In a significant move to strengthen international ties, Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations, with a sharp focus on simplifying visa processes, improving business mobility, and addressing consular matters.
High-Level Meeting in Abuja
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held in Abuja on 13 January 2026. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, who paid a courtesy visit to discuss mutual cooperation.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo underscored the deep historical and cultural connections between the two nations. He reiterated Nigeria's dedication to a "smart, structured, and practical approach to international cooperation" designed to foster genuine people-to-people interactions and support legitimate business ventures. "These ties provide a solid foundation for deeper collaboration," the Minister affirmed.
Key Updates and Proposals on Visa Processing
Ambassador Poroy provided concrete updates on improvements for Nigerian businesspeople. He announced that under a new arrangement, visa applications are now processed locally, leading to significantly faster timelines. "Verified businesspersons can benefit from faster processing timelines of about three to four days," Poroy stated.
However, the Ambassador also highlighted challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs and investments, citing confusion over Nigerian visa requirements. "We request written clarification to guide applicants accurately," he said.
A major proposal from the Turkish side was the inclusion of Turkey in Nigeria's electronic visa (e-visa) system. Ambassador Poroy pointed out that "the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul creates logistical challenges," and argued that e-visa inclusion would greatly enhance mobility for Turkish nationals.
Commitment to Transparency and Continued Engagement
In his response, Minister Tunji-Ojo gave firm assurances, stating that "denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople is not in the interest of either country." He emphasized his Ministry's commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration, reinforcing Nigeria's openness to legitimate investors and global partners.
The discussions also covered the recognition of official Nigerian documents abroad. The Minister clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and should not need extra verification by foreign missions. Ambassador Poroy acknowledged this concern and promised to review embassy procedures on the matter.
Both parties concluded by agreeing on the critical importance of sustained dialogue to fortify bilateral cooperation, paving the way for smoother diplomatic and economic exchanges between Nigeria and Turkey.
