To bolster bilateral trade between Nigeria and Turkey, investors from both countries are actively exploring new areas of investment through joint ventures and technological partnerships.
The initiative was highlighted at the recent Turkiye-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum held in Lagos, organized by the Mind Shift Empowerment and Employment (MEE) initiative.
Daniel Deji Ayodele, founder of MEE and convener of the forum, stated that the summit’s primary goal is to enhance trade and investment ties between the two nations.
According to Ayodele, the MEE initiative has successfully positioned Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Turkish businesses into the African and Sahel regions by showcasing the country’s vast potential.
“Beyond boosting trade, our organization connects businesspeople from both countries to attract much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Nigeria.
“We have brought a delegation from Turkey’s business community to demonstrate that Nigeria is a safe and viable environment for business,” Ayodele said.
Ayodele emphasized the importance of dispelling the negative perception that Nigeria is unsuitable for investment due to security concerns.
“We have engaged with over 64 businesses in Turkey, reassuring them of Nigeria’s safety for business. Many of these businesses are part of the delegation with us today.
“We are showing them firsthand the opportunities in the country and facilitating meetings with industry leaders,” he noted.
Gabriel Idahosa, president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), praised the initiative, reiterating the importance of business community actions in motivating government support.
“There is significant interest identified during this initial meeting, and I believe that within the next few months, concrete transactions will arise from these discussions,” Idahosa added.
He assured that the LCCI would continue to engage with the Turkish business delegations to foster these new relationships.
On his part, Martins Arebun, president of the organization, emphasized a strategic shift, stating, “We are no longer just looking for businesses that want to come to Nigeria but rather businesses that should be in Nigeria.”
Responding, Ismail Aktas, general president of the Eurasia Businessmen Association of Turkey, described Nigeria as a country brimming with opportunities.
“Many Turkish businessmen are eager to engage in business in Nigeria, and the summit provides the perfect platform for these opportunities,” Aktas said.
Shina Peller, a former House of Representatives member and founder of Aquila Group highlighted the shared attributes between Nigerians and Turkish people, such as resilience and adaptability.
He encouraged Turkish businessmen to seize the opportunities available in Nigeria by investing in the country’s diverse sectors.
