Nigeria and Turkey have taken fresh steps toward strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed commitments to visa facilitation, business mobility, and smoother consular processes.
This followed a courtesy visit by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday 13th, January, 2026, by Mary Ali, Director of Press and Public Relations.
The engagement focused on removing bottlenecks that hinder legitimate travel and commercial exchanges between both countries.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the discussions as timely and productive, noting that Nigeria and Turkey enjoy longstanding historical and cultural ties.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a practical and structured approach to international cooperation that promotes people-to-people interactions and supports genuine business activities.
Ambassador Poroy disclosed that recent collaboration between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior has led to significant improvements in visa processing for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey.
He explained that applications are now processed locally, allowing verified businesspersons to obtain visas within three to four days.
The Turkish envoy, however, raised concerns over visa arrangements for Turkish nationals seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial engagements.
According to him, conflicting information regarding visa requirements has created uncertainty for applicants, prompting a request for written clarification from Nigerian authorities.
Ambassador Poroy also appealed for Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system, noting that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul forces applicants to travel to Ankara, creating logistical and financial challenges.
He stressed that e-visa access would significantly enhance business mobility between both nations.
In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that restricting visas for genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople does not serve the interests of either country.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, continuous dialogue, and improved visa administration, while affirming Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international business partners.
The meeting also touched on consular issues, including the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions.
The Minister clarified that marriage certificates issued in line with Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and should not require further authentication.
Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review the Embassy’s procedures.
Both parties agreed to sustain engagement and cooperation aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and enhancing economic and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and Turkey.