Turkey consolidates its commitment to Africa by sealing a strategic alliance with Nigeria

1. Key agreements: military cooperation and economic agenda
2. Memoranda to expand soft power and communication
3. Regional context and strategic scope of the relationship

In a clear sign of Turkey's strategic projection on the African continent, the presidential complex in Ankara was the scene on Tuesday of the signing of nine agreements and memoranda of understanding between Turkey and Nigeria. Beyond the bilateral framework, these commitments are part of Ankara's broader political vision, aimed at strengthening its presence in Africa and challenging the influence of traditional external actors.

Nigeria, due to its demographic weight and economic centrality, occupies a key place in this African architecture designed by Turkey. After his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Nigerian Head of State Bola Ahmed Tinubu described his country as located in the ‘heart of the continent’ and exposed to growing challenges, a formulation that favoured Turkey's positioning as a partner with a stabilising role.

Key agreements: military cooperation and economic agenda

Among the most significant agreements is a military cooperation protocol, signed as Nigeria continues to fight armed groups, including Boko Haram. Turkey, whose Bayraktar drones have proven effective in various conflict scenarios, seeks to transfer this experience to Abuja, which could open up a vast new market for its rapidly expanding defence industry.

On the economic front, the creation of a joint economic committee seeks to remove trade barriers and avoid double taxation, paving the way for record levels of bilateral trade. This move is in line with Ankara's efforts to capitalise on Nigeria's need to modernise its infrastructure, an area in which Turkish construction companies have built a strong international reputation.

Memoranda to expand soft power and communication

However, the agreements were not limited to economic and security interests. A series of memoranda also focused on expanding Turkey's soft power. These include cooperation between the diplomatic academies of both countries, with the aim of forging a shared perspective among future decision-makers, as well as initiatives targeting Nigeria's vast consumer market, home to Africa's largest Muslim population, by promoting Turkish standards of ‘halal quality’.

An agreement on media and communication was also signed, reflecting a shared desire to counter Western and local narratives and to ensure closer coordination on messages that serve the interests of both governments.

Regional context and strategic scope of the relationship

Turkey's renewed push comes at a time of significant geopolitical shifts in the Sahel and West Africa, where French influence has been waning. Ankara has sought to distinguish itself as a partner ‘without a colonial past,’ a message that resonated with President Tinubu, who thanked Erdogan for his willingness to cooperate on the basis of mutual respect and shared prosperity.

While Tinubu appears to view Ankara as a strong ally in tackling armed gangs and instability, Erdogan sees Nigeria as an indispensable gateway to the wider African economy. The challenge, however, lies in what Tinubu described as the need for ‘practical measures’ that translate signed agreements into tangible results that improve living standards and contribute to a new balance of power on the continent.

Ankara no longer seems content with humanitarian diplomacy alone in Africa. It has moved decisively towards a model of economic partnership and comprehensive security, with Nigeria emerging as a central pillar of Turkey's long-term African ambitions.