ABUJA, Jan 28 (Reuters) – Turkey aims to lift its trade volume with Nigeria to $5 billion from about $2 billion, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday following a meeting with visiting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.<\/p>\n
Turkey exports aircraft, helicopters, machinery, iron and steel, and chemical products to Nigeria, while Nigeria supplies crude oil and agricultural commodities to Turkey.<\/p>\n
Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n The two countries signed agreements covering defence cooperation, infrastructure development, trade and investment, as well as joint efforts to tackle insurgency in Africa\u2019s Sahel region.<\/p>\n Erdogan did not give a timeline for reaching the new trade target but said talks had begun.<\/p>\n \u201cWe see significant potential in the fields of trade and investment. In today\u2019s meetings, our commitment is to the $5 billion trade volume target, and we discussed the steps needed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Tinubu has been promoting foreign investment to spur growth in Africa\u2019s most populous nation following reforms introduced shortly after he took office in 2023.<\/p>\n Tinubu said “trade, business, no restrictions, giving opportunities to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper” is critical to his growth ambition. “How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we involve vulnerable people? How do we ensure peace in the world?” the Nigerian leader asked.<\/p>\n Erdogan said Turkey would support Nigeria\u2019s fight against insurgency, drawing on its own experience combating militant groups.<\/p>\n “Terrorist organisations emerging particularly in Africa\u2019s Sahel region pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent,\u201d he said. \u201cWe discussed opportunities for closer cooperation in military training and intelligence, and we are ready to share our country\u2019s significant experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Nigerian officials are expected to hold meetings with leading Turkish defence industry companies during the visit, Erdogan added.<\/p>\n Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama<\/p>\n Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab<\/a><\/p>\n