The Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have reaffirmed commitment to deepening the diaspora engagement through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on diaspora affairs.
The agreement, was signed on behalf of Nigeria by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu- Ojukwu and their Turkish counterpart during the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the country.
During a visit to NiDCOM’s counterpart agency in Ankara, Turkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad, Related Communities (YTB), NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the MoU as another major milestone under Renewed Hope agenda of Nigerian President.
She noted that it is the first bilateral agreement of its kind for NiDCOM in its six years of existence.
According to her, the MoU provides a framework for cooperation through knowledge sharing, exchange of experience and best practices on diaspora engagement.
It also encourages mutual visits, joint programmes, meetings, and conferences to strengthen institutional collaboration.
The agreement further identifies key areas for joint action, including diaspora participation in policy formulation and implementation, promotion of diaspora investment, educational, sports and cultural development, as well as collaboration in science, technology.
Sharing best practices in engaging with the diaspora, providing protection and welfare services for citizens abroad, supporting cultural and educational exchanges, and encouraging diaspora investment and economic partnerships.
Abdulhadi Turus, the head of the Ministry of Turks abroad and other related communities expressed gratitude for the partnership and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to closer collaboration with Nigeria on diaspora matters.
He praised the signing of the agreement, emphasising its potential to strengthen ties between Turkish and Nigerian diaspora communities worldwide.
He noted that hundreds of Nigerian students have benefited from the Türkiye Scholarships Program since 1992, with thousands currently studying in the country.
The MoU marks a new chapter in Nigeria–Türkiye relations, underscores the shared commitment to harnessing diaspora potential for mutual benefit.As part of the official engagements, the NIDCOM Boss, Dabiri-Erewa, also met with members of Nigerian community in Ankara, alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Türkiye, Ambassador Zayad Abdulsalam.
Also, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. John Owan Enoh and the SSA to the President on International Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
Discussions focused on passport renewal processes, post-study visas, and ease of doing business. Nigerians in Türkiye were encouraged to remain good ambassadors of the country and to leverage their skills and resources for national development.
