President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to embark on a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye, departing Abuja on Monday, January 26. This significant diplomatic engagement, announced by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, aims to fortify the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Türkiye. The visit is also geared towards exploring and expanding new avenues of cooperation across various critical sectors, including security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

This strategic visit by President Tinubu is a follow-up to the official trip made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Nigeria in October 2021, a visit that notably deepened diplomatic ties between the two nations. During President Tinubu’s stay in Türkiye, both countries are set to engage in high-level political and diplomatic discussions. These conversations will centre on shared interests and values in crucial areas such as finance, communication, trade, and investment, seeking to enhance bilateral economic and political synergy.

The comprehensive agenda for the visit includes several key meetings between high-ranking officials from both Nigeria and Türkiye. A significant outcome expected is the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These MoUs are slated to cover a broad spectrum of collaborations, including scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation, and protocol matters, among others. Furthermore, a dedicated Nigeria–Türkiye business forum will be convened, bringing together investors from both countries to identify and explore new commercial opportunities and foster bilateral trade and investment.

President Tinubu's delegation for these important bilateral discussions comprises a distinguished group of ministers and officials. Key members include Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice; General Christopher Musa (rtd), the Minister of Defence; and Hon. Jimi Benson, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence.

Other notable members of the entourage are Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy; Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser; and Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency. President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria upon the successful conclusion of the visit.