Turkey, Nigeria parley on direct visas for business travellers, improved bilateral engagement

*Turkey approves a new visa policy, allowing its embassy, in Abuja, to issue visas directly to Nigerian business travellers with a view to deepening commercial engagement between the two economies

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of measures at ensuring smoother travel channels and strengthened economic cooperation between the two economies, Turkey has approved a new visa policy that allows its embassy, in Abuja, FCT, to issue visas directly to Nigerian business travellers.

ConsumerConnect gathered this initiative aimed at deepening commercial engagement between both them comes without requiring any prior authorisation from Ankara.

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Mehmet Poroy, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, announced the development Monday during a courtesy visit to Barr. Nyesom Wike, Honourable Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, report said.

Both Turkey and Nigeria used the opportunity of the meeting to reaffirm commitments to smoother travel channels while strengthening economic cooperation.

It is also noted that Poroy assumed duty in the West African country barely six months ago, and he is preparing to formally present his letter of credence to Prsident Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The envoy also described the renewed economic partnership as the backbone of Turkey–Nigeria relations.

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria stated: “As you rightly mentioned, economic aspects of our relations are maybe the most important part.”

He also noted that the two countries are still “behind the potential” available to them.

Poroy: Initiative to cut bureaucracy for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking visas

Poroy emphasised that the new directive empowers the Ankara Embassy to issue visas to business travellers “directly, under certain conditions,” cutting the long-standing bureaucratic process for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking to visit Turkey.

He further explained: “This is an important first step to facilitate people-to-people [and] businessman-to-businessman contact between the two countries.”

Poroy also disclosed that Turkey was concluding internal approval processes to open a Consulate-General in Lagos.

“The consulate, when operational, will serve as a major gateway for diplomatic and commercial activities, especially given Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s business hub”, he stated.

The Turkish Ambassador commended the FCT Minister for what he described as the support and services extended to Turkish nationals living in Abuja, and expressed optimism that his diplomatic mission would be “very nice and fruitful”.

Responding, Wike welcomed the envoy and pledged the FCT Administration’s readiness to deepen economic ties with Turkey, and explore new areas of collaboration, particularly with Istanbul, Turkey’s commercial capital.

“And we would like to, particularly in Istanbul, to see how we can partner with them to improve economic relations,” he said.

In his remarks during the envoy’s visit to his office, Barr. Wike also lauded Turkey for simplifying its visa process for Nigerian travellers.

The FCT Minister said the previous system had created major obstacles for residents and businesspeople.

He said: “Now that you have taken steps, we commend that, so businessmen who want to go to Turkey will not find it difficult.”

The Minister also restated the FCT Administration’s commitment to maintaining an enabling environment for legitimate businesses, including those operated by Turkish nationals.

Wike assured: “It is our intention to provide a free environment where citizens, without molestation, can carry out their businesses.”

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