By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Government has intensified discussions with Turkey on visa facilitation and business mobility to strengthen bilateral relations and boost legitimate trade and investment. This formed the focus of a meeting between the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mehmet Poroy, held in Abuja on Monday.The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior Headquarters, where both parties explored ways to improve consular processes and ease travel for genuine businesspersons. According to officials, the talks align with Nigeria’s broader objective of promoting economic growth through international cooperation.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Ali, the Minister described the engagement as timely and productive. He noted that Nigeria and Turkey share long-standing historical and cultural ties that provide a strong platform for expanding collaboration in key areas.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and practical approach to international cooperation. He emphasized that visa facilitation and business mobility are critical to enhancing people-to-people relations and supporting legitimate commercial activities between both countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Poroy highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey. He explained that, following cooperation between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior, visa applications are now processed locally. Verified businesspersons, he said, can now obtain visas within three to four days.The Turkish envoy, however, raised concerns about challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial engagements. He pointed to conflicting information on Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to ensure accurate guidance for applicants.
A major issue discussed was Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system. Ambassador Poroy explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul creates logistical difficulties, forcing applicants to travel to Ankara. He said inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly enhance business mobility and ease travel between both countries.In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople is not in the interest of either country. He stressed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international business partners, noting that streamlined visa processes are essential for attracting foreign investment and strengthening economic ties.The meeting further addressed concerns over the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. Dr. Tunji-Ojo clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and do not require additional verification.
Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review the Turkish Embassy’s procedures. Both parties agreed to sustain engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.
