By KEKECHI OGUNLEYE

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says Nigeria would continue to strengthen bilateral relations particularly in visa facilitation and business mobility with Turkey.

Tunji-Ojo stated this while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Interior Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by Head, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Mary Ali, the Minister described the meeting as substantive and timely.

He noted that Nigeria and Turkey share strong historical and cultural ties that provide a solid foundation for deeper collaboration.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and practical approach to international cooperation that supports people-to-people contact and legitimate business engagement.

Tunji-Ojo assured that denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish business people was not in the interest of either country.

He emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration.

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

In his remarks, the Turkish Ambassador highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian business people travelling to Turkey.

This, he said, was achieved following collaboration between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior.

“Under the new arrangement, applications are processed locally, with verified business persons benefiting from faster processing timelines of about three to four days,” he said.

Amb. Poroy also raised concerns regarding Turkish business people seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial activities.

He noted conflicting information on Nigerian visa arrangements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to guide applicants accurately.

He also made a key request during the meeting which was the inclusion of Turkey in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system.

The Ambassador explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul created logistical challenges, as applicants must travel to Ankara, and inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly enhance business mobility.

The meeting also addressed the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions.

Both parties agreed to sustain engagement and deepen cooperation in order to further strengthen bilateral relations and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Turkey. (NAN)

• Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, exchanges a handshake with the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy