Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in diaspora affairs.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed on behalf of the Turkish government.
The MoU was concluded during the state visit of President Bola Tinubu to Türkiye, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
It was unveiled during a visit to Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the counterpart agency of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Ankara.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the agreement as a major milestone under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
She noted that it is the first bilateral agreement entered into by NiDCOM since its establishment six years ago.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the MoU provides a structured framework for cooperation through knowledge sharing, exchange of experiences, and best practices in diaspora engagement.
It also promotes mutual visits, joint programmes, meetings, and conferences aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration between the two countries.
The agreement identifies several priority areas for joint action, including diaspora participation in policy formulation and implementation, promotion of diaspora investment, and collaboration in education, sports, culture, science, and technology.
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It also covers the provision of protection and welfare services for citizens abroad, support for cultural and educational exchanges, and the encouragement of economic partnerships driven by diaspora communities.
Welcoming the partnership, the head of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, Abdulhadi Turus, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria on diaspora-related issues.
He highlighted the long-standing educational ties between the two countries, noting that hundreds of Nigerian students have benefited from the Türkiye Scholarships Programme since 1992, with thousands currently studying there.
The MoU marks a new chapter in Nigeria–Türkiye relations and reflects a shared determination to harness the potential of diaspora communities for mutual development.
As part of the official engagements in Ankara, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa also met members of the Nigerian community in Türkiye alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy, Ambassador Zayad Abdulsalam; the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. John Owan Enoh; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
Discussions focused on issues affecting Nigerians in Türkiye, including passport renewal processes, post-study visas, and ease of doing business.
Community members were encouraged to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria and to channel their skills, expertise, and resources towards national development.