Tunji-Ojo, Turkish Envoy Deepen Talks On Visa Facilitation And Business Mobility
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has held talks with the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey, with particular focus on visa facilitation, business mobility, and consular cooperation.
The meeting took place during a courtesy visit by the Turkish envoy to the Ministry of Interior Headquarters in Abuja. Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the engagement as timely and productive, stressing that Nigeria and Turkey share long-standing historical and cultural ties that provide a strong basis for expanded collaboration.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and practical approach to international cooperation that promotes people-to-people exchanges and supports legitimate business activities.
Ambassador Poroy highlighted recent progress in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey. He noted that, following collaboration between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior, visa applications are now processed locally in Nigeria. Under the improved arrangement, verified business travellers can receive visas within three to four days.
The Turkish envoy, however, raised concerns about challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial engagements. He pointed to conflicting information regarding Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to help guide applicants.
A major request made during the meeting was the inclusion of Turkey in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system. Ambassador Poroy explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul poses logistical difficulties, as applicants must travel to Ankara to process visas. He said inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly enhance business mobility between both countries.
In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that it is not in the interest of Nigeria or Turkey to deny visas to genuine businesspeople. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration, while reiterating Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international partners.
The discussion also covered 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. Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the issue and pledged to review the Embassy’s procedures.
Both parties agreed to maintain sustained engagement to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.
