The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye as a strategic and highly consequential engagement, dismissing suggestions that it is a routine foreign trip.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the visit, Bwala said the trip was at the invitation of the Turkish government, a gesture he said underscores Nigeria’s growing diplomatic influence under President Tinubu’s leadership.
According to him, President Tinubu’s stature as a former leader of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s strategic importance on the African continent shaped the level of reception and expectations surrounding the visit.
“This is not just another trip. It is a strategic visit, first because it is by invitation of the Turkish government. The President of Nigeria is a person of influence in Africa, and Nigeria itself plays a strong role on the continent. With the breakthroughs we are recording in the economy, security and governance, this visit carries significant weight,” Bwala said.
Bwala explained that the state visit would formally begin with a series of engagements from Tuesday, during which Nigeria and Türkiye would explore areas of mutual interest, particularly in defence, security and economic cooperation.
He disclosed that key Ministers accompanying the President are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with their Turkish counterparts, aimed at strengthening collaboration across critical sectors.
The presidential aide also highlighted President Tinubu’s international standing, noting that his leadership style has helped to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations globally, including renewed engagement with major partners such as the United States, following earlier diplomatic challenges.
He cited the recently concluded diplomatic engagements with the United Arab Emirates as evidence of Nigeria’s renewed momentum on the global stage, adding that the Türkiye visit builds on those gains.
Bwala further emphasised Türkiye’s historical strengths in defence and security, particularly its capacity to manufacture advanced military hardware relevant to Nigeria’s security needs, while noting areas where Nigeria has also provided support to Türkiye over the years.
Describing the visit as “a meeting of shared interests,” Bwala said both countries stand to benefit, adding that Turkish officials and citizens have shown excitement and optimism since President Tinubu’s arrival.
He assured that details of specific agreements and deliverables from the talks would be communicated at the conclusion of the visit, which he said is expected to further consolidate Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, deepen defence cooperation and unlock new economic opportunities in line with the administration’s agenda.
