By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria and Turkey have moved to strengthen bilateral cooperation on visa facilitation and business mobility following high-level talks between the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Interior Headquarters in Abuja, focused on easing travel procedures for businesspeople, improving consular coordination, and deepening people-to-people and commercial ties between both countries.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the engagement as timely and substantive, stressing that Nigeria and Turkey’s longstanding historical and cultural relations provide a strong platform for expanded collaboration. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and practical approach to international cooperation that encourages legitimate business engagement and mobility.

Ambassador Poroy highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian business travellers to Turkey, noting that applications are now processed locally following collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior. Verified businesspersons, he said, currently benefit from expedited processing timelines of about three to four days.

The Turkish envoy also raised concerns faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking entry into Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and commercial activities.

He pointed to conflicting information regarding Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested formal clarification to ensure accurate guidance for applicants.

A major issue discussed was Turkey’s proposed inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system. Ambassador Poroy explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul forces applicants to travel to Ankara, creating logistical and cost challenges. Inclusion in the e-visa regime, he said, would significantly enhance business mobility between both nations.

In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that restricting access for genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople does not serve the interests of either country. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration, while reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international partners.

The meeting also addressed concerns over the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. The Minister clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and do not require additional verification. Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the issue and committed to reviewing the Turkish Embassy’s procedures.

Both parties agreed to sustained engagement aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding bilateral cooperation.

The details of the meeting were contained in a statement issued by Mrs. Mary Ali, Head, Press & Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, dated January 12, 2026.