Nigeria and Türkiye have pledged to deepen cooperation in media, strategic communication and cultural exchange while joining forces to combat misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Türkiye’s Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum in Istanbul.
Idris praised Türkiye’s growing engagement with Africa and Nigeria, describing the relationship between both countries as one built on shared aspirations for peace, security, cultural understanding and economic development.
He also commended Türkiye for hosting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the year, saying the visit had created new opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation.
The minister highlighted the expanding role of Türkiye’s public broadcaster, TRT, in Africa, particularly its Hausa-language service and its support for Nigerian media professionals through training and other capacity-building opportunities.
He said Nigeria was ready to work more closely with Türkiye to address fake news and other threats undermining public trust, social cohesion and national security.
Idris stressed that international partnerships, responsible use of emerging technologies and stronger media literacy would be essential in navigating the rapidly changing information environment.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing it as a platform for global collaboration, professional training and efforts to build resilience against harmful information.
Duran described Nigeria as a key regional and international partner, citing its strategic importance, cultural diversity and professional capacity.
He expressed Türkiye’s interest in strengthening institutional ties, cultural relations and professional exchanges with Nigeria, especially in broadcasting and communications.
The Turkish communications chief welcomed plans to establish formal cooperation between Turkish institutions and Nigeria’s public media organisations, including the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
The proposed agreements are expected to support broadcasting collaboration, content exchange, professional training and technical development.
Duran also invited Nigeria to participate in the Sixth International Strategic Communication Summit, scheduled to take place in Istanbul in January 2027. The summit will focus on international cooperation and coordinated responses to emerging global communication challenges.
Both sides reaffirmed their determination to sustain engagement and use media and cultural diplomacy to strengthen Nigeria–Türkiye relations and promote peace, security and mutual development.
