Türkiye and Nigeria sign nine pacts, including media and defense deals

2026-01-27 - 20:50

Türkiye and Nigeria have signed a suite of nine cooperation agreements, including a key memorandum on media and communication, as part of efforts to deepen their strategic partnership. The pacts were inked in Ankara on Tuesday during an official visit by Nigerian Head of State Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who held talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Scope of the media and communication agreement The media memorandum of understanding, valid for three years, facilitates the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices between the two countries. It also provides for organizing joint seminars, workshops, training programs, and reciprocal visits for officials and experts in the broadcasting and communication sectors. This agreement aims to foster closer ties between the media landscapes of both nations. Broadening a multifaceted strategic partnership The signing ceremony, held after bilateral and delegation-level meetings, encompassed a wide range of sectors beyond media. Additional agreements focused on military training, diaspora policy, higher education, halal accreditation, diplomatic training, and social affairs. These accords build upon a longstanding relationship; diplomatic ties between Ankara and Abuja have been in place since November 1960. Deepening economic and defense industry ties The partnership is underpinned by robust economic and security cooperation. With energy trade included, Nigeria became Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025, with bilateral trade volume reaching $688.4 million in the first eleven months of the year. Defense cooperation is particularly strong, with the Nigerian Air Force having purchased Turkish drones and T129 ATAK helicopters. Over 50 Turkish companies operate in Nigeria, with total investments nearing $400 million and contractor projects valued at around $3 billion.