President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye as Nigeria moves to deepen diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with the Eurasian nation.
The President’s aircraft took off from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 2:05 pm on Monday, marking the commencement of the high-level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
The visit is expected to focus on boosting collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, energy, infrastructure development, technology, and cultural exchange, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to attract foreign investment and diversify the Nigerian economy.
Senior government officials were on hand to see the President off at the airport. They included the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other top government officials, with discussions centered on strengthening long-standing ties between both countries and exploring new opportunities for mutual economic growth.
Nigeria and Türkiye have maintained cordial relations over the years, with increasing cooperation in commerce, aviation, construction, and defence. The state visit is seen as another step by the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy toward economic diplomacy and strategic global partnerships.
