Turkey And Nigeria Sign Defence And Investment Accords

Wednesday 28th January 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Turkey Nigeria trade target talks have moved into implementation after the two countries signed new agreements spanning defence cooperation, infrastructure, and investment, with Ankara saying it wants to lift bilateral trade from about $2 billion to $5 billion.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced the goal after meeting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, according to Reuters, as officials signed multiple accords that also referenced cooperation against insurgency pressures affecting parts of the Sahel and Nigeria’s north.

The agreements come at a time when Nigeria is actively courting foreign capital to support industrialisation, transport upgrades, and security modernisation, while Turkey has expanded its commercial and security footprint across Africa through contracting, aviation, and defence exports.

For Nigeria, the political timing is sensitive: Tinubu’s administration has pushed economic reforms and investment outreach since 2023, while facing public pressure over cost-of-living strains, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits. For Turkey, Nigeria is a high-value partner due to its population scale, regional influence, and demand for construction and industrial capacity.

Defence cooperation is likely to attract immediate attention. Reuters reported that the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in military training and intelligence, and that Nigerian officials were expected to engage Turkish defence firms during the visit.

Trade specialists said a $5 billion target is achievable only if financing, logistics, and project execution align. That typically requires bankable pipelines, clear procurement rules, and predictable foreign exchange access for importing capital equipment—constraints that have challenged large-scale delivery in several African markets.

Next steps

Turkey Nigeria trade target work is expected to move into sector plans covering defence procurement channels, infrastructure project identification, and trade facilitation steps that can convert MoUs into signed contracts and shipments.

Why it matters

A deeper Turkey–Nigeria relationship could reshape procurement and infrastructure competition in West Africa, while expanding defence and industrial partnerships beyond traditional European, Gulf, and Chinese channels.