Nigeria, Turkey Move To Ease Visa Bottlenecks, Boost Business Mobility

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey have intensified discussions on visa facilitation and business mobility, signalling renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and people-to-people relations between both countries.

This followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mehmet Poroy, where both parties reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored practical measures to remove barriers to legitimate travel and business engagement.

This was contained in a statement by the Ministry’s head, press and public relations, Mrs. Mary Ali.

Describing the engagement as substantive and timely, Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that Nigeria and Turkey shared longstanding historical and cultural ties, which provide a strong platform for deeper collaboration. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and results-oriented approach to international cooperation—one that prioritises efficiency, transparency, and mutual economic benefit.

The Turkish Ambassador highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey. He explained that, following collaboration between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior, visa applications are now processed locally, enabling verified Nigerian businesspersons to receive visas within three to four working days.

Ambassador Poroy, however, raised concerns about challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to travel to Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial activities. He cited conflicting information regarding Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested formal written clarification to ensure accurate guidance for applicants.

According to the statement, a major request presented during the meeting was the inclusion of Turkey in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) regime. The Ambassador noted that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul compels applicants to travel to Ankara, creating logistical and financial burdens. Inclusion in the e-visa system, he said, would significantly enhance business mobility and encourage stronger commercial engagement.

In his response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised that denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople does not serve the interests of either country. He assured the Turkish delegation of the Ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement in visa administration, guided by transparency, dialogue, and international best practices.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and credible international business partners.

The meeting further addressed concerns around the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. The Minister clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and should not be subjected to additional verification requirements.

Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review the Embassy’s procedures accordingly.

Both parties agreed to sustain engagement and collaboration aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations, improving mobility, and unlocking new economic opportunities for citizens and businesses of both nations.