Turkey Pushes for Nigeria e‑Visa Inclusion to Boost Business and Investment Ties

Turkey has formally requested inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e‑visa) system to ease travel and strengthen economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The request was made by Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, during a courtesy visit to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Poroy said the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul forces Turkish applicants to travel to Ankara for processing, creating unnecessary hurdles. He argued that e‑visa access would encourage more Turkish investors, traders, and visitors to attend trade fairs and explore opportunities in Nigeria.

The ambassador also sought written clarification on Nigeria’s visa rules for Turkish citizens, citing conflicting information from some Nigerian missions abroad.

Responding, Minister Tunji‑Ojo assured Turkey that Nigeria does not intend to restrict genuine business travellers. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration, stressing that Nigeria remains open to legitimate investors and international partners.

The meeting also touched on recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates abroad. Tunji‑Ojo clarified that all certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and require no further verification. Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review embassy procedures.

Nigeria and Turkey have steadily expanded ties in trade, construction, education, and defense. Turkish firms are active in Nigerian infrastructure projects, while bilateral trade and people‑to‑people exchanges continue to grow. Officials say inclusion of Turkey in Nigeria’s e‑visa system would align with Abuja’s broader push to attract investment and facilitate business mobility.