President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a state visit to Türkiye as Nigeria moves to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with the Eurasian country.
The presidential aircraft took off from the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport 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.”
President Tinubu is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes 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, the President will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials on strategic diplomatic and political matters.
Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed in areas including scientific research, energy, military collaboration, media and communications, technical cooperation, and diplomatic protocol.
A business forum will bring together investors from both nations to discuss trade and investment opportunities.
“This visit is a critical step toward boosting economic growth and fostering sustainable partnerships between Nigeria and Türkiye,” Onanuga added.
Other members of the delegation include 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 after the conclusion of the state visit.
