The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike has lauded the Türkiye Envoy to Nigeria for expediting the process of obtaining visa for businessmen in Abuja and other cities of the country, thereby easing their travels for economic engagements.
The Minister stated this when he received the Ambassador of Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, who paid a courtesy call to the Minister in his office, in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
Wike noted that, until now, obtaining a Turkish visa has been a major concern for many Nigerians, especially residents of Abuja.
He said; “Now that you have taken steps, we commend you. This will also make it easier for businessmen who want to travel to Turkey. We are very glad about this and will continue to encourage you.”
“So we are still available to do whatever you think we should do for you”.
Furthermore, the Minister reiterated that the relationship between Turkiye and Nigeria is very cordial, as both countries economic relationship has been very commendable, which they want to improve on going forward.
The FCT Minister expressed interest in partnering with Turkish businessmen to strengthen economic relations.
He noted the presence of many Turkish nationals in Nigeria conducting various businesses and emphasized the Government’s intention to provide an enabling environment where citizens can carry out their business freely and without harassment.
“So, we think we can partner with you. If there are areas where you need support from the administration, do not hesitate to approach us,” the Minister said. “We will also explore ways in which the FCT can cooperate and benefit economically with Istanbul or any other Turkish city with strong trade potential,“Wike said.
Earlier, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Poroy, who was accompanied by the Turkish Embassy’s Secretary, said he arrived in Nigeria almost six months ago but is yet to formally present his credentials to the Presidency.
He noted that he is allowed to visit Ministers, with the FCT Minister being his first visit.
Poroy described economic cooperation as a key aspect of deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said that following Türkiye’s decision to facilitate visa issuance for Nigerian businessmen, the authorities are completing the bureaucratic process, a step that will significantly strengthen future relations.
The Envoy said; “Türkiye is committed to unlocking the full trade potential between our two countries.
“As a first step, we have simplified visa procedures for Nigerian businessmen, allowing them to travel more easily without seeking approval from Ankara. This is an important step to promote people-to-people and business-to-business contacts.”
The Ambassador also revealed that Türkiye has completed internal processes to open a Consulate General in Lagos, which will further boost trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
He thanked the FCT Minister for the warm reception and the administration’s support for Turkish citizens residing in Abuja.
“Your services and institutions provide all the support we enjoy. Thank you for hosting us so comfortably. I believe I will have very fruitful years here in Abuja as Turkey’s ambassador,” he said.
Poroy said that Türkiye remains committed to strengthening bilateral trade with Nigeria, highlighting the active roles of two commercial counsellors and ongoing collaborations with relevant ministries and institutions.
“Taking this opportunity, Honorable Minister, let me thank you also on behalf of myself as well as my colleagues, who live in Abuja, because your services, people, and institutions under your authority, are providing all the services that we enjoy”, he stressed.
Olusola Akintonde