Türkiye and Nigeria Aim for $5 Billion Trade Volume Target During Presidential Visit
Erdogan Sets $5 Billion Bilateral Trade Goal as Tinubu Arrives in Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has set a target to increase the bilateral trade volume between Türkiye and Nigeria to $5 billion. This announcement was made during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official state visit to Ankara on 28 January 2026, where both leaders prioritised the expansion of economic cooperation, maritime security, and industrial partnerships.
Strategic Expansion of Bilateral Trade
The current trade volume between the two nations fluctuates between $2 billion and $2.5 billion. President Erdoğan emphasised that this figure does not reflect the true potential of the two largest economies in their respective regions. To bridge this gap, the Turkish administration proposed a roadmap focusing on diversified sectors beyond traditional oil and gas.
According to President Erdoğan, the $5 billion target is achievable through the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks and the enhancement of the Nigeria-Türkiye Business Council’s activities. The Turkish leader underscored that Nigeria remains Türkiye's largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, serving as a critical gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Defence and Infrastructure Cooperation
A significant portion of the diplomatic discussions centred on defence industry cooperation. Türkiye has emerged as a key supplier of maritime and aerial surveillance technology to the Nigerian Armed Forces. During the visit, both leaders reviewed ongoing projects, including the delivery of Turkish manufactured attack helicopters and offshore patrol vessels intended to secure Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea waters.
In the infrastructure sector, Turkish construction firms which have a global footprint second only to China expressed renewed interest in Nigeria’s transport and housing projects. President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for Turkish investors, particularly in the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the renewal of urban infrastructure.
Energy and Manufacturing Synergy
Energy security formed the third pillar of the high level talks. Nigeria, as a leading Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporter, remains a vital supplier to the Turkish energy market. Conversely, Türkiye seeks to export its manufacturing expertise to Nigeria to support the "Renewed Hope" agenda’s focus on domestic production.
President Tinubu noted that the partnership would benefit from "win-win" investments, where Turkish technology meets Nigerian raw materials and human capital. This synergy is expected to stimulate job creation and reduce Nigeria's reliance on finished imported goods.
The elevation of the trade target to $5 billion signals a shift toward a more structured and aggressive economic partnership between Abuja and Ankara. As both nations formalise agreements across various ministries, the success of this initiative will depend on the implementation of trade facilitation policies and the consistency of diplomatic engagement. In the long term, this deepened relationship could provide Nigeria with a viable alternative for high-tech defence and infrastructure solutions while providing Türkiye with stable energy security and expanded market access in Africa.
