Deal signed during Tinubu’s state visit focuses on investment, education and welfare of citizens abroad

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Nigeria and Türkiye have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation on diaspora affairs, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to harnessing the potential of their citizens living abroad.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed for the Turkish government. The signing took place during the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Türkiye.

Nigeria’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the agreement as a major milestone under Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, noting that it is the first bilateral diaspora-related agreement signed by NiDCOM since the agency was established six years ago.

She said the MoU provides a framework for cooperation through knowledge sharing, exchange of experience and best practices in diaspora engagement. The agreement also promotes institutional collaboration through joint programmes, mutual visits, meetings and conferences.

According to NiDCOM, the areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include diaspora participation in policy formulation and implementation, promotion of diaspora investment, education, sports and cultural development, and collaboration in science and technology. The MoU also covers the provision of protection and welfare services for citizens abroad, support for cultural and educational exchanges, and efforts to encourage economic partnerships driven by diaspora communities.

During a visit to Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, known as YTB, Abdulhadi Turus, head of the agency, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to closer collaboration with Nigeria on diaspora matters.

Turus said the agreement has the potential to strengthen ties between Nigerian and Turkish diaspora communities globally. He noted that hundreds of Nigerian students have benefited from the Türkiye Scholarships Programme since 1992, with thousands currently studying in the country.

The MoU marks a new chapter in Nigeria–Türkiye relations and underscores a shared commitment to leveraging diaspora resources for mutual development, officials said.

As part of the official engagements in Ankara, Dabiri-Erewa also met with members of the Nigerian community in Türkiye, alongside Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in the country, Ambassador Zayad Abdulsalam, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.

Discussions at the meeting focused on passport renewal processes, post-study visa issues and the ease of doing business for Nigerians in Türkiye. Community members were encouraged to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria and to channel their skills, expertise and resources toward national development.

The statement was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s head of media, public relations and protocols.