By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the FCT Administration is ready to deepen strategic economic ties with the city of Istanbul and broaden Nigeria, Turkey cooperation, particularly in areas that can scale investment and ease business operations in Abuja.
Speaking while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, in his office on Monday in Abuja, Wike said the FCTA is prioritising partnerships that unlock economic value, drive foreign investment, and strengthen Abuja’s positioning as a secure and business-friendly capital.
Wike emphasised that Abuja already hosts a sizeable Turkish business community and assured that his administration is committed to maintaining an environment where investors can operate “without molestation” or bureaucratic hurdles.
“We want to see how we can partner, particularly with Istanbul, to improve economic relations, “There are many Turkish nationals doing legitimate business here. Our intention is to provide a free and supportive environment where citizens and investors can carry out their businesses without hindrance”, the minister said.
He highlighted the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Turkey, noting that both countries have recorded commendable progress in trade and cooperation.
However, he stressed that the FCT is pushing for even stronger collaboration that directly benefits Abuja’s economy.
Wike encouraged the Turkish mission to approach the FCTA for any support required to expand commercial ties or initiate joint projects with Turkish cities.
“If there are areas where you need assistance from the Administration, do not hesitate. We are open to exploring how the FCT can benefit economically from ties with Istanbul or any other Turkish city,” he said.
The minister also applauded Turkey’s new measure easing visa issuance for Nigerian businessmen, a longstanding concern for Abuja residents who frequently travel for trade.
“The visa process has been worrisome for many Nigerians, particularly here in Abuja,” “Now that you’ve taken steps to simplify it, we commend that. Businessmen going to Turkey should no longer face difficulties”, Wike said.
On his part, Mehmet Poroy, ambassador of the republic of Turkey to Nigeria who arrived in Nigeria almost six months ago, said he was yet to formally present his credentials but had been authorised to begin courtesy visits to key government officials.
He described Wike as one of the first ministers he was keen to meet, citing Istanbul’s strategic interest in ramping up investment and commercial ties with Abuja.
The envoy disclosed that Turkey has now eased visa procedures for Nigerian business travellers, eliminating the requirement for referral to the state’s capital, Ankara for approval.
“As a first step, we have facilitated visa procedures for businessmen so they can travel easily. We no longer have to ask Ankara for their visa. The embassy can now issue visas directly under certain conditions,” he said.
He noted that the change is expected to boost people-to-people and business-to-business contact.
Poroy also revealed that Turkey is finalising bureaucratic processes to open a Consulate General in Lagos, describing it as another strategic step designed to expand commercial diplomacy and support the country’s growing business presence in Nigeria.
