The Presidency has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye as a strategic and high-impact diplomatic engagement, dismissing claims that the trip is a routine foreign visit.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made this clarification while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the visit, noting that the trip was undertaken at the invitation of the Turkish government — a development he said reflects Nigeria’s rising diplomatic profile under President Tinubu.
According to Bwala, President Tinubu’s influence as a former Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), combined with Nigeria’s strategic position on the African continent, informed the level of reception and expectations surrounding the visit.
“This is not just another trip. It is a strategic visit, first because it is by invitation of the Turkish government,” Bwala said. “The President of Nigeria is a person of influence in Africa, and Nigeria itself plays a strong role on the continent. With the breakthroughs we are recording in the economy, security and governance, this visit carries significant weight.”
He explained that the state visit formally commenced with a series of high-level engagements beginning on Tuesday, during which both countries are expected to explore areas of mutual interest, particularly in defence, security and economic cooperation.
Bwala disclosed that key ministers accompanying President Tinubu are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with their Turkish counterparts, aimed at strengthening collaboration across critical sectors of both economies.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s growing international stature, the presidential aide said the administration’s leadership approach has helped to rebuild and strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations globally, including renewed engagement with major partners such as the United States after earlier diplomatic setbacks.
He also referenced Nigeria’s recent diplomatic engagements with the United Arab Emirates as evidence of renewed momentum in the country’s foreign relations, adding that the Türkiye visit builds on those gains.
Bwala further pointed to Türkiye’s established capacity in defence and security, particularly its advanced military hardware manufacturing, which he said aligns with Nigeria’s security needs, while also acknowledging areas where Nigeria has historically supported Türkiye.
Describing the visit as a “meeting of shared interests,” Bwala said both nations stand to benefit from the engagements, noting the excitement and optimism expressed by Turkish officials and citizens since President Tinubu’s arrival.
He assured that details of agreements and concrete outcomes from the talks would be made public at the conclusion of the visit, adding that the engagements are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, deepen defence cooperation and unlock new economic opportunities in line with the administration’s agenda.
