Turkey has approved a new visa policy that allows its embassy in Abuja to issue visas directly to Nigerian business travellers without requiring prior authorisation from Ankara, a move aimed at deepening commercial engagement between both nations.

Mehmet Poroy, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, announced the development on Monday during a courtesy visit to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Abuja.

Both sides used the meeting to reaffirm commitments to smoother travel channels and strengthened economic cooperation.

Poroy, who assumed duty in Nigeria about six months ago and is preparing to formally present his letter of credence, described economic partnership as the backbone of Turkey–Nigeria relations.

“As you rightly mentioned, economic aspects of our relations are maybe the most important part,” he said, noting that the two countries were still “behind the potential” available to them.

The envoy said the new directive empowers the Ankara embassy to issue visas to business travellers “directly, under certain conditions,” cutting the long-standing bureaucratic process for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking to visit Turkey.

“This is an important first step to facilitate people-to-people [and] businessman-to-businessman contact between the two countries,” he added.

Poroy also disclosed that Turkey was concluding internal approval processes to open a Consulate-General in Lagos.

“The consulate, when operational, will serve as a major gateway for diplomatic and commercial activities, especially given Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s business hub”, he stated.

He thanked the FCT Minister for what he described as the support and services extended to Turkish nationals living in Abuja and expressed optimism that his diplomatic mission would be “very nice and fruitful.”

Responding, Wike welcomed the envoy and pledged the FCT Administration’s readiness to deepen economic ties with Turkey and explore new areas of collaboration, particularly with Istanbul, Turkey’s commercial capital.

“And we would like to, particularly in Istanbul, to see how we can partner with them to improve economic relations,” he said.

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Wike commended Turkey for simplifying its visa process for Nigerian travellers, noting that the previous system had created major obstacles for residents and businesspeople.

“Now that you have taken steps, we commend that, so businessmen who want to go to Turkey will not find it difficult,” he said.

The minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining an enabling environment for legitimate businesses, including those operated by Turkish nationals.

“It is our intention to provide a free environment where citizens, without molestation, can carry out their businesses,” he stated.