President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on January 26, 2026. He traveled to Ankara for a state visit to Turkiye. The trip followed an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Officials aimed to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Turkiye. They focused on trade, investment, security, energy, education, and defence.
Tinubu led a delegation that included Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Key Meetings in Ankara
Tinubu held bilateral talks with Erdogan. They discussed shared priorities. After that, the leaders addressed economic growth and counter-terrorism.
Erdogan praised Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign investment. He said, “We are ready to share Turkiye’s significant experience in counterterrorism.” Additionally Erdogan noted, “Turkiye stands by the Nigerian people in this struggle.”
Tinubu expressed appreciation for Turkiye’s collaboration. He stated, “We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish today, will be instrumental in this regard.”
Signed Agreements and Outcomes
Both countries signed nine agreements. These covered a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, defence cooperation, diaspora policy, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media, diplomatic training, and social services.
The pacts aimed to boost trade from $2 billion to $5 billion. Meanwhile they enhanced security ties against insurgency in the Sahel region. Meanwhile Nigerian officials met Turkiye’s defence firms. They explored military training and intelligence sharing.
Return to Nigeria
Tinubu concluded the engagements in Ankara. Then he flew back to Nigeria. The visit lasted several days. His aircraft, an Airbus A330, carried him home. Officials prepared for his arrival in Abuja.
Reception in Abuja
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on January 31, 2026. The plane landed at 8:55 pm local time.
Senior officials received him. They included FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Defence State Minister Bello Matawalle. After that, Tinubu resumed duties in the capital.
