Turkiye to build defence factories in Nigeria, targets $5bn trade

Turkiye plans to establish defense factories and military training centers in Nigeria, aiming to increase bilateral trade from the current $2bn to $5bn. Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, revealed this during a press briefing to commemorate the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This move aims to shift beyond supplying military equipment to Nigeria, fostering local manufacturing instead.

The proposal aligns with the agreements signed during President Bola Tinubu's visit to Turkey earlier in the year. Additionally, 200 Nigerian special forces personnel are currently undergoing a two-month training program in Turkey, with plans to establish a similar training facility in Nigeria. Turkiye is also willing to share its expertise in combating terrorism, having lost over 40,000 people and spent billions of dollars in its 40-year fight against the threat.

Economic relations between the countries are also a priority, with both nations targeting $5bn in bilateral trade, compared to the current $2bn. Turkish investments in Africa exceed $10bn, but investments in Nigeria remain below $1bn.