President Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Türkiye State Visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Saturday evening at approximately 8:55 p.m., concluding a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The President’s return followed several days of diplomatic engagements in Ankara and Istanbul, where he held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and senior government officials.

While the Presidency has not yet released a detailed communiqué, such high-level visits typically focus on expanding trade relations, attracting Turkish investment into Nigeria’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, and strengthening security collaboration.

Nigeria and Türkiye have maintained growing diplomatic ties in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, though significantly imbalanced in Türkiye’s favor. Turkish firms have shown increasing interest in Nigeria’s construction, defense, and agricultural technology sectors, while Ankara has positioned itself as a strategic partner for African nations seeking alternatives to traditional Western partnerships.

The visit comes as the Tinubu administration intensifies efforts to attract foreign direct investment and diversify Nigeria’s economic partnerships beyond traditional allies. Türkiye’s experience in manufacturing, infrastructure development, and defense production aligns with several priorities outlined in Nigeria’s 2024–2027 Economic Recovery Plan.

Security sources noted the president was received at the airport by key cabinet members, including the minister of foreign affairs and the national security adviser, with standard protocol observed during the arrival ceremony.

As Nigeria navigates complex economic challenges and regional security concerns, engagements with emerging global partners like Türkiye reflect a broader strategy to position the country as an investment destination while securing technical cooperation in critical sectors.