Nigeria, Turkey to Strengthen Economic Ties

• Nigeria, Turkey to Strengthen Economic Ties

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has reiterated its plans to strengthen economic relations with Turkey, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment stated in Abuja on Tuesday.

At the Nigeria-Turkey Business forum organised by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), a top business organisation in Turkey, Mr. Adebayo said highlighted the importance of economic and political corporation between the two nations.

He said: “The present administration understands the role of the private sector as the key driver of the economy and is committed to making Nigeria one of the most attractive countries in terms of Ease of Doing business in the world.

“Some policies have also been introduced to remove some bottlenecks in the economic development in the government’s quest to diversify the economy.

“Executive Order 001 was signed on the Ease of Doing Business with the aim of promoting transparency, accountability in the business environment,” the minister added.

According to the minister, the new ease of doing business model has helped position the nation as a performing country on the Ease of Doing Business ranking.

Also, speaking at the event was Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, the President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abuja. He said Turkish-Nigeria partnership could strengthen the nation’s defence given Turkey expertise in defence items and shipbuilding.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces requires access to modern weapons systems, especially those relevant to the new war, asymmetric warfare, counter-insurgency campaigns, trans-border banditry and tactical support for internal security forces.

“These can be purchased from Turkey for immediate and strategic supplies when needed to build a strategic relationship.

“A Turkish-Nigerian Strategic Partnership should see both countries leveraging on each other’s strengths to fortify their own vulnerabilities and preserve their independence of action,” he said.