Turkey Seeks Inclusion in Nigeria’s E-Visa System to Boost Business Travel

Turkey has officially expressed interest in being included in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) framework as part of efforts to simplify travel processes and strengthen commercial, diplomatic, and investment relationships between both nations.

This request was presented on Tuesday during a formal courtesy visit by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja.

During the meeting, Ambassador Poroy explained that Turkish nationals currently face practical difficulties when applying for Nigerian visas. He pointed out that Nigeria does not operate a visa issuance office in Istanbul, which compels applicants to travel to Ankara for documentation and processing. According to him, this arrangement increases cost, time, and inconvenience for businesspeople and investors.

The ambassador stated that allowing Turkey access to Nigeria’s e-visa system would remove these bottlenecks and significantly improve mobility for Turkish entrepreneurs, investors, and traders. He noted that easier visa access would encourage more participation in Nigerian trade fairs, investment opportunities, and other business-related engagements, thereby boosting economic interaction between the two countries.

In addition, Ambassador Poroy requested official written clarification regarding Nigeria’s visa policies for Turkish citizens. He cited inconsistent information reportedly given by some Nigerian diplomatic missions, which has caused confusion among applicants seeking to travel to Nigeria for legitimate purposes.

In response, Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed that limiting genuine business travel does not benefit either Nigeria or Turkey. He stressed that Nigeria remains open to credible investors and international partners, adding that the Ministry of Interior is focused on improving transparency, efficiency, and ongoing dialogue in visa administration.

The discussion also covered the issue of Nigerian marriage certificate recognition by foreign embassies. Minister Tunji-Ojo clarified that marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are fully valid under the country’s constitution and do not require additional authentication or verification. Ambassador Poroy acknowledged this clarification and assured that the Turkish Embassy would review its internal processes accordingly.

Both parties agreed on the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation to further strengthen bilateral ties and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.

Nigeria and Turkey have continued to expand their diplomatic and economic partnerships, driven by increasing trade volumes, growing investments, and stronger people-to-people interactions. The Turkish ambassador’s visit forms part of broader efforts aimed at improving visa facilitation for business travellers, which remains a critical pillar in advancing cooperation between the two nations.