As part of efforts to harness modern technology for agricultural advancement, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has engaged the Turkish diplomatic mission in Nigeria in a conversation focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across vital economic sectors, especially agriculture.
The meeting, held at the Turkish Embassy in Abuja, saw a delegation led by NACCIMA National President and Chairman of the Nigeria–Türkiye Business Council (NTBC), Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye, engage with the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy.
The delegation included members of NTBC, NACCIMA, and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA).
During the high-level dialogue, agricultural innovation, mechanisation, and technology transfer took centre stage, as both parties discussed how to leverage Türkiye’s expertise in agritech to boost Nigeria’s agro-industrial output.
The discussions underscored the urgency of strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain by adopting advanced Turkish machinery, food processing technology, and efficient post-harvest systems.
Ambassador Poroy expressed Türkiye’s firm commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda through investment in technologies and mechanised farming practices.
He praised the efforts of NTBC in building stronger economic bridges between the two countries and noted that Nigeria remains an economic partner in the West African sub-region.
To increase these ties, the ambassador announced plans to open a Turkish Consulate in Lagos. This, he explained, would serve as a commercial hub to facilitate trade and deepen diplomatic presence in Southern Nigeria.
Additionally, he unveiled a new risk-based two-tier visa screening system designed to ease travel for Nigerian businesspersons, reduce entry barriers, and promote genuine commercial exchanges.
Looking ahead, a Turkish business delegation is scheduled to visit Nigeria in August 2025 for further engagements in tourism, cultural cooperation, and investment promotion.
The upcoming visit is expected to expand the scope of collaboration beyond agriculture, opening up new frontiers for mutual growth.
Both Nigerian and Turkish officials highlighted the strategic importance of value chain development through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and local adoption of foreign technology.
Mechanised farming, food preservation, and improved packaging and storage were identified as core areas necessary to achieve food security and sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mr. Oye reaffirmed the central role of NTBC in fostering continuous dialogue between Nigerian and Turkish enterprises.
He noted that the visit served not only to strengthen bilateral economic ties but also to present NTBC’s long-term vision for trade facilitation and business cooperation.
He highlighted the Council’s various initiatives, including quarterly exploratory trade missions to Türkiye tailored for small and medium-scale businesses as well as first-time Nigerian investors seeking to establish commercial ties with Turkish counterparts.
These missions, according to him, are part of efforts to provide market access and practical exposure for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Oye reiterated NACCIMA’s commitment to creating enduring trade relationships that deliver tangible value for both nations.
He stressed that with sustained engagement, knowledge exchange, and structured investment opportunities, the partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye could serve as a model for South–South economic collaboration.
