Nigeria and Turkey trade to rise by more than $1bn

By Chris Ewokor

Turkey has signed several agreements with Nigeria that will see its volume of trade increase to over $1bn (£723m) in a major push to ramp up commercial and economic co-operation with Africa’s most populous nation. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Abuja where he met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, as part of a wider trip to the African continent. 

Speaking at a joint press conference President Erdoğan said that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation. 

He drew special attention to the importance of what he described as “the common fight against terrorism”.

He said that Turkey has been closely following the developments in Nigeria, and that his country can offer support for Nigeria's fight against violent jihadists. 

On Tuesday in Togo, Mr. Erdogan said Turkey is ready "to lay the foundation for military cooperation" with West African nations fighting insurgency.

The trip appears to be a significant step in Turkey's attempts to increase its influence on the continent as it prepares to host two major Africa-focused events in Istanbul: a two-day Turkey-Africa Third Economy and Business Summit which starts on Thursday, and a two-day Turkey-Africa Third Partnership Summit in December.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Photo: Premium Times