Nigeria and Türkiye have intensified efforts to deepen military, defence, and economic cooperation following high-level talks between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara.

The discussions were held ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s planned state visit to Türkiye and focused on expanding political, economic, security, and multilateral relations between the two countries.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Tuggar’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister said the meeting highlighted the growing strategic importance of Nigeria–Türkiye relations and the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral engagement.

According to the statement, both ministers reviewed existing partnerships and explored new areas of collaboration.

“Tuggar placed strong emphasis on expanding bilateral trade and increasing mutual investment, particularly in sectors of interest to Turkish companies, including construction, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure,” the statement said.

Both sides acknowledged steady growth in economic relations and stressed the need to unlock more opportunities through structured public–private sector engagement.

On security matters, the ministers identified opportunities to deepen cooperation in military affairs and the defence industry, reflecting shared interests in strengthening security capabilities.

Fidan commended Nigeria’s role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa, noting the country’s leadership within regional and continental frameworks.

The statement added that Tuggar’s visit, his first official trip to Türkiye, underscores the strengthening strategic partnership between both countries, anchored on shared positions on sovereignty, institutional cooperation , and pragmatic engagement, with expectations of deeper collaboration in the period ahead.