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The Nigerian-Turkish Bilateral Relationship

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey

As Recep Tayyip Erdogan explained to the audience at a joint press conference with Buhari, 2022 marks
60 years of relations between Nigeria and Turkey. On the occasion of the Turkish President's visit to
Nigeria in October 2021, numerous agreements were signed regarding defense, political consultation,
energy, mining, youth, and double taxation. Muhammadu Buhari's visit to Turkey strengthened the close
relationship between the two countries. Nigeria's President was invited to attend the third Turkey-Africa
Partnership Summit to be held in Istanbul between December 16th and 19th 2021. Both nations have an
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undeniably strong bond based on mutual trust. President Buhari pleaded for Turkish assistance in

battling terrorism and insurgency in Africa in his speech. Additionally, he reaffirmed the critical role of
international trade in driving development and long-term economic growth, as well as the eradication
of global poverty. During his speech, he applauded the significant increase in trade between Africa and
Turkey. He stated, “We are confident that given the level of openness, trust and commitment manifested
in the Africa -Turkey Partnership, this cooperation mechanism will be a game-changer for our
countries and set us on the path of sustainable development for our peoples.”
Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to
collaborating with Turkey after following the lead of the Nigerian leader. Mr. Sylva spoke about Nigeria's
interest in more Turkish hydro-carbon investments during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of
Ceraweek in Houston, Texas with the Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources,
Alpersen Bayraktar. The minister's call is particularly relevant given the upcoming divestment of some
International Oil Companies (IOC) from onshore areas of the country. “We are looking at the
possibilities of Turkey taking interest in more investments in Nigeria. Now that IOC like Shell, Exxon
Mobil, and others are planning to divest from onshore assets, more investments in that sector would be
a great opportunity for Turkey to expand its investments interest in Nigeria.” Sylva invited the Turkish
leaders to expand their relationship to energy and other areas of trade. In addition, he talked about the
PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), a regulatory framework that will be more appealing to potential investors.
Chief Timipre Sylva told Bayraktar, the Deputy Minister, to encourage Turkish investors to come to
Nigeria, which “is still the desired investment destination in Africa.”
On his part, Bayraktar affirmed that his country was prepared to shore up investments in the Nigerian
energy sector if given the opportunity.

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