The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, says Türkiye holds Nigeria in special regard because both countries face similar existential challenges in the fight against terrorism.
Poroy made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, noting that the two countries share a common interest in developing effective counterterrorism strategies.
The ambassador said Türkiye had successfully fought various terrorist organisations over the years, gaining significant experience that it is now willing to share with Nigeria, along with its capabilities and resources. He added that Nigeria’s success in combating terrorism would be crucial to the stability of West Africa and the continent at large.
“What makes Nigeria very special, from our perspective, is that our countries face similar challenges.
“We have fought various terrorist organisations for years and gained significant experience and success. Nigeria is also fighting several terrorist organisations, primarily Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“Therefore, we want to support Nigeria in this area by sharing our experience, capabilities, and resources,” he said.
Poroy also disclosed that Türkiye had strengthened its defence industry to tackle insecurity within the country and across the region. According to him, this development enabled Türkiye’s armed forces to eliminate terrorist threats, adding that a similar approach could be replicated in Nigeria through closer defence industry cooperation.
“We are working with our Nigerian counterparts to deepen military cooperation in this regard, as our president had expressed that we stand by Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
“In addition to providing military equipment and critical systems, our companies also work with Nigerian authorities for joint local production of equipment in Nigeria,” Poroy said.
He added that Türkiye is also drawn to Nigeria because of its position as West Africa’s largest economy and Africa’s fourth-largest economy, noting that this status cannot be overlooked.
The ambassador said Nigeria is strategically important to Türkiye due to its population of over 230 million people, its vast economic potential, and the need to expand bilateral economic cooperation.
“As the biggest country on the continent, Türkiye sees Nigeria as an important strategic partner.
“Today, we continue to view Nigeria as an important, strategic partner,” he stressed.
The Turkish envoy recalled that relations between the two countries date back to the 16th century, during contacts between the Ottoman Empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire.
“Our opening of an Embassy here on November 9, 1960, immediately after Nigeria gained independence, reflects the importance we have attached to our relations with Nigeria in the past,” he said.