Turkey (Türkiye) and Nigeria have formally signed a defense cooperation agreement, marking a significant milestone in the expanding strategic partnership between the two nations. The agreement was signed on January 27, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, during Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit, further strengthening collaboration across security, military training, and defense industry cooperation. 

The defense cooperation pact was one of nine bilateral agreements signed between Türkiye and Nigeria at a high-level ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Tinubu at Turkey’s Presidential Complex. The agreements cover a wide range of areas, including diaspora policy, media and communication, higher education, halal accreditation, and diplomatic cooperation, with the defense agreement underscoring security and military ties between the two countries. 

The defense cooperation protocol formalises ongoing efforts to deepen strategic ties between Türkiye and Nigeria in areas such as military training, security exchanges, and defense industry cooperation. This follows years of cooperation in which the Nigerian Air Force purchased Turkish-made drones and attack helicopters, and Nigerian troops have received training in Türkiye. 

During joint remarks at a press conference following the signing ceremony, President Erdoğan described the relationship between the two countries as a strategic partnership that spans political, economic, and security interests. He emphasised that advancing cooperation on defense and security matters would not only enhance bilateral ties but also contribute to regional stability and efforts against violent extremism. 

Nigeria’s Head of State, President Tinubu, also underlined the importance of cooperation with Türkiye on security and trade. He said both countries share common goals in promoting peace, democratic governance, and economic development. Tinubu expressed confidence that strengthened defense cooperation would complement broader collaboration in trade, investment, and capacity building. 

The defense agreement is part of a larger suite of pacts aimed at boosting cooperation between Ankara and Abuja. The two leaders also adopted a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) declaration designed to enhance institutional economic cooperation and foster increased trade flows. Officials highlighted a shared target of reaching $5 billion in bilateral trade volume, underscoring the mutually reinforcing nature of economic and security ties. 

In addition to defense, the agreements signed in Ankara include cooperation in social policies, education, media, and women’s affairs, demonstrating the two nations’ shared interest in deepening relations beyond traditional diplomacy. Nigeria has been Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with trade volume reaching $688.4 million in 2025. 

The defence pact reflects a pattern of growing military collaboration. Prior engagements have seen Nigeria acquire sophisticated Turkish military hardware, including T129 ATAK attack helicopters and various drone systems, while personnel training exchanges have helped build technical and tactical capacity within the Nigerian armed forces. 

Under the new agreement, both countries are expected to facilitate increased military training exercises, intelligence sharing, and logistical cooperation. Observers note that combining Türkiye’s defense industry capabilities with Nigeria’s strategic position in West Africa could help both nations address emerging security threats more effectively. 

The defense cooperation agreement deepens a long-standing diplomatic relationship that began in 1960 and continues to evolve as global partners navigate security, trade, and geopolitical challenges. As Türkiye and Nigeria move forward with implementation, analysts say the pact could pave the way for expanded military collaboration and greater regional stability.