The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the new deals signed by Nigeria and Turkiye during President Bola Tinubu’s visit as a reflection of the renewed trust in the country as a respected player in global politics.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG argued that even the reception accorded to President Tinubu on arrival is an indication of Nigeria’s place of pride in the comity of nations.
It said: “From the outset, it was obvious that Turkiye was keen on being accorded recognition as a worthy strategic partner in Nigeria and so gave its President, Bola Tinubu, maximum respect and honour, which is rarely exhibited.
“At the end of bilateral talks, the two Presidents had appended their signatures to nine agreements which sealed the strategic partnership between the two countries in the areas of security/defence, education, infrastructural development, diplomacy and social service amongst others.
“We found it interesting that the two Presidents had, during one-on-one talks, reviewed the framework of the existing bilateral relationship, especially in trade, investment, and defence, before affirming their commitment to a trade volume target of $5 billion. And to show their commitment to seeing this through, a joint committee on economy and trade was established to create opportunities for the expansion of Turkish investments in Nigeria.”
The group said it saw this as a good deal, which reflected how the President had always used his foreign trips as an opportunity to make sales pitch on investment opportunities, which was why Indian and Chinese companies were jostling for investment opportunities alongside companies from the United Arab Emirates and Brazil after recent state visits by President Tinubu.
“This is not only reflective of the President’s role as Nigeria’s chief salesman but also of the reformist agenda he has been pushing since assuming office with a view to ensuring that the country is more open to big business than ever before.
“We are aware that Nigeria became Turkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa last year, with bilateral trade volume hitting $688.4 million. More than 50 Turkish companies are also doing business in the country with investments valued at about $400 million. We have no doubt that the newly signed trade and investment deal would indeed significantly increase business ties between both countries.
“In addition, the defence pact sealed with the Turkish government would ensure deeper cooperation between the two countries. It is noteworthy that President Erdogan has committed himself to supporting Nigeria’s war against terrorism especially in intelligence sharing and military training. Although full details of the cooperation are not expected to be unveiled in public, we have no doubt that Nigeria would benefit immensely from Turkiye’s expertise in counter-terrorism activities and defence strategies at a time it is expanding its international partnership against terrorism and insurgency,” said the group.
TMSG urged Nigerians to continue to trust in the President’s capacity to not only build a more resilient, investment-friendly country but also to make it safer.