The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Memmet Poroy, has proposed a strategic collaboration between Nigerians in diaspora and Turkey’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the agency responsible for diaspora affairs.

Poroy made the proposal during a meeting with the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. He emphasized Turkey’s vast diaspora network, noting that about 7.5 million Turks live abroad, including 6.5 million in Europe, where many are politically active and hold key offices.

The ambassador said Turkey is eager to learn more about the Nigerian diaspora, stressing the similarities between both groups. He, however, acknowledged the challenges in accurately determining the Nigerian diaspora population.

Welcoming the envoy, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the shared experiences of both nations’ diasporas and outlined NiDCOM’s efforts to strengthen engagement with Nigerians abroad. She pointed to initiatives such as the new Diaspora Registration Portal, designed to enhance communication, provide support, and guide policy planning.

Dabiri-Erewa also drew attention to NiDCOM’s flagship programmes, including the Diaspora Investment Summit and the National Diaspora Day and Merit Awards, which encourage Nigerians abroad to invest in and contribute to national development.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and sharing best practices in diaspora management, with Poroy assuring Turkey’s readiness to host a Nigerian delegation for future engagements.