Efforts to remove travel and administrative barriers between Nigeria and Turkey gained momentum as both countries agreed to enhance cooperation on visa facilitation, business mobility and consular matters.
The agreement followed a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries, noting that Nigeria is committed to a smart and practical approach to international cooperation that promotes people-to-people contact and legitimate business engagement. He stressed that denying visas to genuine businesspeople from either country is not in their mutual interest.
Poroy said Turkey has improved visa processing for Nigerian business travelers, with applications now handled locally and approvals granted within three to four days. He, however, raised concerns over difficulties faced by Turkish businesspeople entering Nigeria, citing inconsistent information on visa requirements, and requested written clarification.
He also proposed including Turkey in Nigeria’s electronic visa system, noting that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul poses logistical challenges and that e-visa access would enhance business mobility.
Responding, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in visa administration, while restating Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors.
The meeting also addressed the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates, which the Minister clarified are legally valid and should not require additional verification. Poroy agreed to review embassy procedures as both sides pledged continued engagement to strengthen bilateral ties.
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