Nigeria, Türkiye Target $5 Billion Trade Amid New Pacts

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye announced a bold target to elevate bilateral trade with Nigeria to $5 billion, up from the current $2 billion volume, during a state visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Ankara on January 27, 2026.  The leaders, in a joint press briefing, outlined steps including a new Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to drive investments and remove barriers, positioning Nigeria as Türkiye’s top Sub-Saharan partner and AfCFTA gateway. 

Trade Dynamics

Türkiye currently exports aircraft, helicopters, machinery, steel, and chemicals to Nigeria, while importing crude oil and agricultural goods, with 2025 trade reaching $688.4 million in the first 11 months excluding energy.  Erdogan stressed untapped potential in diversified sectors, praising Tinubu’s energy reforms for economic restructuring and pledging Turkish Petroleum support.  Over 50 Turkish firms have invested $400 million in Nigeria, with contractors securing $3 billion in projects. 

Signed Agreements

Nine pacts were inked, spanning multiple sectors to foster collaboration. 

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Security and Defence Ties

Erdogan offered Türkiye’s anti-terror expertise from its own experiences to aid Nigeria against Sahel threats and insurgency.  Talks covered military training, intelligence, and defence firm meetings, building on growing security cooperation since 1960 diplomatic ties.  Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s role in African peace despite challenges, commending Erdogan’s Somalia efforts. 

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Leaders’ Visions

Tinubu thanked Türkiye for openness in promoting global stability and inclusive growth, focusing on vulnerable groups and unrestricted trade. ​ He emphasized win-win synergies: Turkish tech with Nigerian resources for jobs and reduced imports. ​ Erdogan hailed Tinubu’s delegation as proof of commitment across trade, energy, education, and defence.