The Presidency has emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye is a strategic engagement, dismissing claims that it is a routine foreign trip.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala, made the remarks while speaking with State House Correspondents, explaining that the visit is at the invitation of the Turkish government and reflects Nigeria’s growing influence under Tinubu’s leadership in Africa and globally.
“This is not another trip. It is a strategic trip. First of all, it is an invitation by this government. The President of Nigeria is a former leader of ECOWAS and a person of influence in Africa. Nigeria also has a strong force in Africa, and with the breakthroughs we are having in the economy, security, politics and other areas, the President is here for a state visit,” Bwala said.
The visit, which formally commenced on Tuesday, will see Nigeria and Türkiye explore areas of mutual interest, particularly in defence, security, and economic cooperation. Key Nigerian ministers accompanying the President are expected to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish counterparts to deepen collaboration across critical sectors.
Highlighting Tinubu’s international standing, Bwala said the President’s leadership has strengthened Nigeria’s diplomatic relations globally, including renewed engagement with the United States and recent talks with the United Arab Emirates.
“The President is a very influential leader that world leaders know. Our relationship with the U.S. is tied to the personality and leadership the President brings on board. We just concluded engagements with the United Arab Emirates, and now with the government and people of Türkiye. Historically, they are strong in the area of security and have the capacity to produce weapons critical to what we need. We also have areas where Nigeria has been of help to them,” he said.
Bwala also highlighted long-standing economic and investment ties between Nigeria and Türkiye, noting Turkish investments in Nigeria and reciprocal contributions by Nigerians over the years. He described the visit as mutually beneficial, with Turkish officials and citizens expressing optimism about the outcomes of the talks.
The Presidency said the state visit aims to consolidate Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, strengthen defence cooperation, and unlock new economic opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with details of agreements and deliverables to be communicated at the conclusion of the discussions.
