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FG, Turkish Govt Deepen Talks on Visa Facilitation, Business Ease
The Federal Government and the Turkish Government have intensified discussions aimed at improving visa facilitation and easing business mobility between both countries.
The talks took place on Tuesday in Abuja when the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Mehmet Poroy, on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Interior headquarters.
Tunji-Ojo described the engagement as timely and productive, noting that Nigeria and Turkey share long-standing historical and cultural ties that provide a strong basis for deeper bilateral cooperation. He said the Federal Government is committed to a smart, structured and practical approach to international partnerships that promotes people-to-people exchanges and supports legitimate business activities.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to genuine investors and business travellers, stressing that denying visas to legitimate Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople would not serve the interests of either country. He assured that the ministry remains focused on transparency, dialogue and continuous improvements in visa administration.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Poroy highlighted recent progress 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, with verified business travellers enjoying faster processing timelines of about three to four days.
The ambassador, however, raised concerns over challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments and other commercial engagements. He cited conflicting information on Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to guide prospective applicants.
Poroy also appealed for Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) regime, noting that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul forces applicants to travel to Ankara. He said inclusion in the e-visa system would significantly ease business mobility and strengthen commercial ties.
The meeting also addressed the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. Tunji-Ojo clarified that marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and should not require additional verification. The Turkish ambassador acknowledged the issue and pledged to review the embassy’s procedures.
Both parties agreed to sustain engagement to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in visa facilitation, business mobility and consular matters.
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