President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for a state visit to Türkiye as Nigeria seeks to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with the Eurasian nation. The presidential aircraft departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s Presidential Wing at 2:05 pm on Monday.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “The President’s trip aims to consolidate the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Türkiye, while opening new avenues of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.”
A high-profile delegation accompanied the President, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During the visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other top officials for strategic diplomatic and political discussions.
The agenda includes the signing of memoranda of understanding covering areas such as scientific research, energy, military collaboration, media and communications, technical cooperation, and diplomatic protocol.
A business forum will also convene investors from both countries to explore opportunities for trade and investment.
“This visit is a critical step toward boosting economic growth and fostering sustainable partnerships between Nigeria and Türkiye,” Onanuga added.
The President’s delegation also includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, among others.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.
