The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has said Türkiye’s growing engagement with Nigeria is driven largely by the similar security threats confronting both countries, particularly terrorism.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, the envoy explained that Ankara considers Abuja a critical partner in addressing violent extremism and strengthening regional stability.
Poroy noted that Türkiye has, over the years, confronted and dismantled several terrorist networks, gaining operational expertise that it is prepared to share with Nigeria. He added that such cooperation would involve not only intelligence and experience sharing but also technical capabilities and strategic support.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s victory against insurgent groups would have far-reaching implications for peace across West Africa and the continent at large.
According to him, both nations are battling similar threats, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to pose security challenges in parts of Nigeria.
“Türkiye understands the weight of this fight because we have faced comparable threats for many years,” he said, stressing that cooperation in counterterrorism remains a priority area in bilateral relations.
The ambassador further disclosed that Türkiye’s advancement in defence manufacturing has strengthened its internal security architecture. He expressed optimism that enhanced military and defence industry collaboration could support Nigeria’s efforts to curb insecurity.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing between Turkish firms and Nigerian authorities to deepen military cooperation, including possible joint production of defence equipment within Nigeria.
Beyond security, Poroy described Nigeria as a country of immense strategic and economic value. He pointed out that as West Africa’s largest economy and one of Africa’s leading economies, Nigeria represents a key partner for Türkiye’s broader engagement on the continent.
“With its population of over 230 million people and vast economic potential, Nigeria occupies a special place in our Africa policy,” he said, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Tracing the relationship between the two nations to the 16th century, Poroy referenced historical contacts between the Ottoman Empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire. He also highlighted the opening of Türkiye’s embassy in Nigeria on November 9, 1960, shortly after independence, as evidence of Ankara’s longstanding interest in the country.
He reiterated that Nigeria remains a strategic partner for Türkiye in security, economic cooperation and regional diplomacy.
