Nigeria, Turkey To Ease Visa Bottlenecks, Boost Business Ties

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has received the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo, who described the meeting as timely, said Nigeria and Turkey share strong historical and cultural ties that provide a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration between both countries.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Mary Ali, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured and practical approach to international cooperation that promotes people-to-people contact and supports legitimate business engagement.

Ambassador Poroy highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey, following collaboration between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior.

According to him, visa applications are now processed locally, with verified Nigerian businesspersons benefiting from faster processing timelines of three to four days.

The Turkish envoy, however, raised concerns over challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments and other commercial activities.

He noted that conflicting information on Nigerian visa arrangements for Turkish citizens has created confusion and requested written clarification to properly guide applicants.

A major request raised during the meeting was the inclusion of Turkey in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system.

Poroy explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul poses logistical difficulties, as applicants are required to travel to Ankara, adding that inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly enhance business mobility between both countries.

In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople is not in the interest of either country.

He stressed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, sustained dialogue and continuous improvement in visa administration, while reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international business partners.

The meeting also addressed concerns over 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 require additional verification.

Poroy however acknowledged the issue and pledged to review the Turkish Embassy’s procedures, as both parties agreed to maintain continuous engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.