Why Türkiye Has Special Interest In Nigeria — Envoy
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has said Türkiye has a special interest in Nigeria due to shared existential challenges, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
Poroy disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, noting that both countries are confronting similar security threats.
According to him, Türkiye has gained significant experience in combating terrorist organisations over the years and is willing to share its expertise, capabilities and resources with Nigeria.
He stressed that Nigeria’s success in tackling terrorism would be critical to the stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent at large.
Poroy identified terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province as major threats confronting Nigeria.
“What makes Nigeria very special, from our perspective, is that our countries face similar challenges. We have fought various terrorist organisations for years and gained significant experience and success. Nigeria is also fighting several terrorist organisations,” he said.
The envoy revealed that Türkiye has strengthened its defence industry to address insecurity within its borders and neighbouring regions, a strategy he said could be replicated in Nigeria through enhanced collaboration.
He added that Turkish companies are already working with Nigerian authorities to deepen military cooperation, including joint local production of defence equipment.
Poroy also described Nigeria as a strategic partner for Türkiye, citing its position as West Africa’s largest economy and Africa’s fourth-largest economy, as well as its population of over 230 million people.
He recalled that diplomatic relations between both countries date back to the 16th century, referencing contacts between the Ottoman Empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire.
The ambassador noted that Türkiye opened its embassy in Nigeria on November 9, 1960, shortly after the country gained independence, underscoring the long-standing relationship between both nations.
He further referenced recent high-level engagements, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye, which he said reinforced commitments to strengthening security and economic cooperation between the two countries.
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