Turkiyya da Nijeriya sun haɗa kai kan yaƙar ta'addanci da batutuwan Afirka: Jakadan Turkiyya
Nijeriya na da ‘muhimmanci na musamman’ ga ko wace manufa da ta mayar da hankali kan Afirka, kamar yadda Mehmet Poroy ya shaida wa kamfanin dillancin labaran Anadolu yayin da ƙasashen biyu ke ƙoƙarin ɗaga kimar cinikayya tsakaninsu zuwa $5bn
Türkiye and Nigeria Strengthen Ties in Counterterrorism and Economic Cooperation
Türkiye and Nigeria are forging a robust partnership aimed at addressing critical security challenges and enhancing economic collaboration, as highlighted by Türkiye’s ambassador to Abuja, Mehmet Poroy. This relationship is underscored by a shared vision on counterterrorism and other pivotal issues affecting the African continent.
Nigeria's Strategic Importance
Ambassador Poroy emphasized Nigeria's significance in any Africa-focused policy, noting its status as West Africa's leading nation and the largest economy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With a population exceeding 230 million, Nigeria's influence is paramount in shaping regional dynamics. The ambassador pointed out that both Türkiye and Nigeria face similar security threats, particularly from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, which parallels Türkiye's ongoing battle against various terrorist organizations.
In this context, Türkiye is committed to supporting Nigeria by sharing expertise, resources, and capabilities. A key aspect of this partnership is the ongoing cooperation against the FETO terrorist organization, which Poroy identified as a cornerstone of their collaborative efforts. He stressed that Nigeria's stability is crucial not only for West Africa but for the entire continent, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional security.
A Game-Changing Partnership
Describing the bilateral relationship in strategic terms, Poroy stated that Türkiye and Nigeria are “two countries that play strong, game-changing roles in their respective regions.” The recent visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Türkiye marked a significant step in enhancing cooperation across various sectors, particularly in security and counterterrorism, which are areas where Nigeria is currently in dire need of support.
During Tinubu’s visit on January 27, which followed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s trip to Nigeria in October 2021, both nations demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing their ties. The visit culminated in the signing of nine agreements covering diverse areas such as security, education, and trade, with an emphasis on swift implementation for mutual benefit.
Poroy noted that this visit has ushered in a new phase of military cooperation, with expectations for closer coordination in counterterrorism efforts. Türkiye's readiness to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity reflects a broader commitment to regional stability.
Commitment to African Solutions
Ankara's approach in Africa is characterized by a “win-win” philosophy, prioritizing respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty while opposing external interventions. This stance aligns closely with Nigeria's commitment to “African solutions to African problems.” Both governments have recently taken a unified stance against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, issuing statements in support of Somalia's central government, further solidifying their diplomatic alignment within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Poroy highlighted that Türkiye’s stabilization efforts in Somalia are highly valued by Nigeria, given its status as one of Africa's leading nations. He reiterated Türkiye's support for Abuja's leadership within ECOWAS, particularly in promoting democracy and regional peace, and expressed a desire for intensified dialogue and cooperation across West Africa.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Goals
The economic dimension of the Türkiye-Nigeria partnership is equally significant. During Erdogan’s 2021 visit to Nigeria, three memorandums of understanding were signed in the fields of energy, mining, and hydrocarbons, establishing a legal framework for cooperation. Since then, working groups have convened to develop models expected to translate into concrete projects.
Nigeria, rich in solid minerals, aims not only to extract resources but also to process them domestically. Ambassador Poroy stated that Türkiye can share its capabilities in this area, and he anticipates concrete steps to be taken soon. The potential for cooperation extends to electricity production and distribution, with Turkish companies already expanding their operations in Nigeria and growing interest in the oil and natural gas sectors.
A significant outcome of Tinubu’s visit was the establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee (JETCO), aimed at removing trade and investment barriers. This initiative is expected to accelerate Turkish investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector through larger-scale projects, supported by agreements to prevent double taxation and promote and protect investments.
The bilateral trade target of $5 billion remains central to the economic agenda, with Poroy expressing optimism that, with JETCO becoming operational, the current trade volume of approximately $1 billion could increase significantly. He emphasized the eagerness to deepen political ties and sustain comprehensive consultations on both bilateral and regional issues.
Conclusion
As Türkiye and Nigeria continue to strengthen their partnership, the focus on counterterrorism and economic cooperation underscores a shared commitment to regional stability and development. The ongoing dialogue and agreements between the two nations signal a promising future for collaboration in addressing the challenges facing Africa today.