- Tinubu’s State Visit Yields Nigeria–Turkey Diaspora Partnership
- The deal was described as a significant boost to bilateral relations between both countries
- The agreement is expected to open a new chapter in Nigeria–Turkey relations
Nigeria and Turkey have formalised a new partnership to strengthen cooperation on diaspora affairs, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Turkey.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the agreement was signed on Nigeria’s behalf by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside officials of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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The MoU provides a structured framework for collaboration in diaspora engagement, including knowledge sharing, exchange of best practices and the development of joint programmes.
In a statement issued by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the deal was described as a significant boost to bilateral relations between both countries.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the agreement as a landmark achievement under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking during a visit to the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) in Ankara, she noted that it was the first bilateral diaspora-focused agreement signed by NiDCOM since its establishment six years ago.
According to her, the MoU covers critical areas such as diaspora participation in policy formulation, investment promotion, education and cultural exchange, science and technology cooperation, citizens’ welfare abroad and broader economic partnerships. It also encourages regular engagements through meetings, conferences and mutual visits to strengthen institutional relationships.
On his part, the head of YTB, Abdulhadi Turus, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to deepening ties with Nigeria on diaspora-related matters.
He highlighted the long-standing educational relationship between both countries, noting that hundreds of Nigerians have benefited from Turkey’s scholarship programme since 1992, with thousands more currently studying there.
The agreement is expected to open a new chapter in Nigeria–Turkey relations by leveraging the strength and potential of both countries’ diaspora communities for shared development.
As part of the engagement, Dabiri-Erewa also met with members of the Nigerian community in Ankara, alongside Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Zayad Abdulsalam, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Affairs, Sola Enikanolaye.
Discussions focused on issues such as passport renewal, post-study visas and improving the ease of doing business, while Nigerians in Turkey were encouraged to serve as good ambassadors and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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