In a significant move to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation, the Republic of Turkey has formally requested its inclusion in Nigeria's electronic visa (e-visa) system. The request was made to streamline travel procedures for Turkish businesspeople and investors seeking opportunities in Africa's largest economy.
Diplomatic Meeting in Abuja
The appeal was presented on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, to the country's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.
Ambassador Poroy highlighted a key logistical challenge facing Turkish citizens: the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul. Currently, applicants must travel to the Turkish capital, Ankara, to complete their visa processes. This, he argued, creates an unnecessary barrier for genuine business travellers.
Focus on Business Mobility and Trade
The Turkish envoy emphasized that inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly improve business mobility and encourage a greater flow of Turkish investors, traders, and participants for events like trade fairs into Nigeria. He also raised concerns about conflicting information regarding visa arrangements for Turkish citizens and sought written clarification to guide applicants accurately.
In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo assured that restricting genuine business travellers was not in the interest of either nation. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration, reaffirming Nigeria's openness to legitimate international investors and partners.
Clarification on Nigerian Marriage Certificates
The bilateral discussions also touched on the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. Minister Tunji-Ojo provided a clear clarification, stating that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and should not require additional verification by embassies.
Ambassador Poroy acknowledged this concern and committed to reviewing the Turkish Embassy's internal procedures regarding this matter. Both parties agreed to sustained engagement to strengthen overall bilateral cooperation.
Broader Context of Nigeria-Turkey Relations
This high-level meeting is part of ongoing efforts to smoothen visa processes, making facilitation a central pillar of the growing Nigeria-Turkey relationship. The two countries have been actively deepening diplomatic and economic ties, driven by rising trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
The push for e-visa integration aligns with the Nigerian government's broader agenda to modernize its immigration systems. This was recently underscored by the joint announcement from the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, regarding plans to launch not only an e-visa system but also digitalized airport landing and exit cards to enhance national security and streamline entry processes.
