As Nigeria works to improve diplomatic and commercial relations with the Eurasian nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left Abuja on an official visit to Turkey.

At 2:05 PM on Monday, the presidential plane departed from the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

"The President's trip aims to consolidate the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Türkiye, while opening new avenues of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation," stated Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy.

President Tinubu is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The President will discuss strategic diplomatic and political issues with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other high-ranking officials during the visit.

A number of memoranda of understanding pertaining to scientific research, energy, military cooperation, media and communications, technological cooperation, and diplomatic protocol are anticipated to be inked.

Investors from both countries will gather at a business summit to talk about investment and trade prospects.

Onanuga continued, "This visit is a critical step towards boosting economic growth and fostering sustainable partnerships between Nigeria and Turkey."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Attorney General of the Federation Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd), Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa are among the other delegation members.

Following the state visit, President Tinubu is anticipated to return to Nigeria.