In a move to boost bilateral relations and unlock economic opportunities, the Turkish government has announced plans to simplify its visa application process for Nigerians. The initiative includes opening new visa offices in Nigeria’s eastern and northern regions to accommodate increasing demand from business travellers and tourists.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, said the decision is a response to the growing volume of travel between the two nations, facilitated by more than 16 weekly flights. “There’s growing interest and interaction between both countries, and we are working to facilitate smoother processes to support this momentum,” he stated.
The ambassador revealed Turkey’s goal of increasing its trade volume with Nigeria to $5 billion, citing Nigeria’s strategic importance as an economic leader in West Africa. He added that expanded visa access is crucial to achieving this ambition.
Visa reform as a catalyst for growth
The Turkish government’s decision is more than a diplomatic gesture, it reflects a growing understanding that easing travel between nations is essential for economic growth. Simplified visa processes allow entrepreneurs, investors, and tourists to move more freely.
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Across Africa, countries are increasingly recognizing the value of open travel policies as a tool for economic transformation. Intra-African trade, for instance, remains limited due in part to restrictive visa regimes. Reforms like Turkey’s move toward visa accessibility show how the right policies can unlock mutual prosperity and help nations like Nigeria attract foreign direct investment and tourism.
As Nigeria and Turkey deepen their diplomatic and economic partnership, the easing of visa restrictions is expected to drive more interaction across trade, tourism, education, and beyond. With Turkish companies already active in Nigeria and more looking to enter the market, the expanded visa framework could be a turning point in how both countries do business together.
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