Nigeria and Türkiye Deepen Ties With New Media and Communication Agreement

Nigeria and Türkiye have taken another significant step in strengthening bilateral relations after both countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on media and communication cooperation in Ankara on Tuesday.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following high-level one-on-one and interdelegational talks in the Turkish capital. The move underscores a growing partnership between the two nations, particularly in information sharing and strategic communication.

Under the terms of the MoU, Nigeria and Türkiye will collaborate through the exchange of information and professional experience, the sharing of best practices, and support for joint initiatives and projects in the media and communication space.

The agreement also provides for the organization of meetings, seminars, workshops, training programmes, and international conferences, aimed at building institutional capacity and strengthening professional networks.

The deal further encourages reciprocal visits between officials and experts in media, broadcasting, and communication, promoting closer engagement and long-term cooperation. The memorandum will remain valid for three years, with the possibility of further expansion based on mutual consent.

The media agreement was one of nine major bilateral accords signed between Nigeria and Türkiye during President Tinubu’s official visit. Other agreements covered key sectors including military training, diaspora affairs, higher education, halal accreditation, diplomatic training, social development, and women’s affairs, reflecting the breadth of cooperation between both countries.

Nigeria and Türkiye have enjoyed diplomatic relations since November 9, 1960, with ties deepening steadily over the decades. Economic relations have also grown substantially, with bilateral trade reaching $688.4 million in the first 11 months of 2025. When energy trade is factored in, Nigeria emerged as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025.

Defence and security cooperation have been particularly strong in recent years. The Nigerian Air Force has acquired Turkish-made drones and six ATAK T129 attack helicopters, reinforcing strategic military ties between both nations.

Beyond government relations, Turkish companies have maintained a strong presence in Nigeria across sectors such as construction, energy, textiles, and manufacturing. Türkiye exports products including iron, steel, machinery, and food items to Nigeria, while importing crude oil and agricultural products from Africa’s most populous nation.

The newly signed media and communication agreement highlights the shared recognition by both governments of the growing influence of information, broadcasting, and digital communication in diplomacy, development, and global engagement. It also signals a commitment to closer collaboration as Nigeria and Türkiye continue to expand their strategic partnership.