Turkey has approved a new visa policy allowing its embassy in Abuja to issue travel documents directly to Nigerian business travellers without prior authorisation from Ankara—a move officials say will significantly strengthen commercial cooperation between both countries.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, announced the development during a courtesy visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Monday. He described the decision as a strategic step toward boosting trade, investment, and people-to-people engagement.
Poroy, who assumed office about six months ago and is yet to formally present his letter of credence, said economic collaboration remains at the heart of Turkey’s relations with Nigeria.
“As you rightly mentioned, economic aspects of our relations are maybe the most important part,” he said, noting that both countries were still “behind the potential” available to them.
Under the new arrangement, Poroy confirmed that the Turkish Embassy now has the authority to issue business visas internally.
“At the embassy, we can give directly, under certain conditions, their visa,” he explained. “This is an important first step to facilitate people-to-people [and] businessman-to-businessman contact between the two countries.”
The envoy also disclosed that Turkey is finalising processes to open a Consulate-General in Lagos, which he described as another practical step toward deeper diplomatic and commercial ties. He thanked the FCT Minister for the support extended to Turkish nationals in Abuja, expressing optimism that his tenure would be “very nice and fruitful.”
In his response, Wike welcomed the ambassador and reaffirmed the FCT’s readiness to strengthen ties with Turkey, particularly its major commercial hub.
“And we would like to, particularly in Istanbul, to see how we can partner with them to improve economic relations,” he said.
Wike reiterated Abuja’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive environment for legitimate businesses, including those run by Turkish citizens.
“It is our intention to provide a free environment where citizens, without molestation, can carry out their businesses,” he noted.
The minister praised Turkey’s decision to simplify visa procedures for Nigerians, saying the move will remove long-standing obstacles faced by business travellers.
“Now that you have taken steps, we commend that, so businessmen who want to go to Turkey will not find it difficult,” Wike added.
Ambassador Poroy was accompanied on the visit by Hakan Tok, Secretary at the Turkish Embassy.
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