President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially returned to Abuja from a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye (Turkey) after engaging in strategic talks with Turkish leaders aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. His aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on the night of Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The state visit, which began on January 26, 2026, was part of Nigeria’s broader foreign policy goal to deepen cooperation with key global partners. Tinubu traveled to Ankara, the Turkish capital, where he held significant bilateral discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other senior officials.

During the Türkiye visit, President Tinubu and President Erdoğan signed multiple agreements, notably a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) designed to enhance cooperation across critical sectors including trade, defence, education, energy, and security. These agreements underscore a shared commitment to expanding economic and security linkages between the two countries.

A central theme of the visit was the push to expand bilateral trade between Nigeria and Türkiye. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade volume from current levels toward a target of $5 billion, a move expected to unlock sustainable investment flows, create jobs, and broaden economic opportunities for businesses and workers in both nations.

The state visit also emphasized economic cooperation in areas like energy, infrastructure, and investment facilitation. Tinubu, known for his renewed focus on economic reforms and foreign investment, highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment that attracts capital and fosters inclusive growth for all Nigerians.

Security collaboration was another pillar of the discussions. Türkiye pledged support in areas such as defence collaboration, military training, and intelligence sharing reflecting Nigeria’s priority to strengthen its security apparatus and address insurgency and terrorism threats. The agreement to deepen defence ties is seen as a strategic boost for Nigeria’s long-term stability initiatives.

Upon his return to Abuja, President Tinubu was welcomed by senior government officials, including ministers and aides, reflecting the importance attached to the outcomes of the state visit. His timely return also dispels any misinformation about prolonged absence or lack of communication during the trip as official sources confirmed his activities and engagements throughout the visit.

President Tinubu’s Türkiye trip is widely seen as a strategic diplomatic engagement that elevates Nigeria’s global cooperation credentials. It reinforces Nigeria’s ambition to diversify partnerships, attract investments, and foster stronger security alliances.

The agreements forged and commitments made are expected to translate into tangible benefits in trade, defence, and economic growth in the months to come.