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President Bola Tinubu Signed A Record Nine Bilateral Agreements

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Republic of Türkiye

President Bola Tinubu Signed A Record Nine Bilateral Agreements

Top among them is the “Protocol on Military Cooperation” that covers military training, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism coordination.

This is a good one. We stand to benefit from Türkiye’s defence capabilities. The Turks hold a strategic place in Europe and Asia. As a member of NATO, it serves as a vital security buffer between Europe and the Middle East. From available research, the Turks do not give commitments for the sake of it.

They use these commitments to market themselves, and this is why it has continued to rank high in its defence capabilities. Türkiye is ranked as the 11th largest exporter of arms and military hardware in the world. This is an expression of the level of commitment that it has displayed over several decades.”

The Republic of Türkiye is a blend of Asia and Europe. Its history is rich in diversity. It is transcontinental. It has one of the best arrays of cuisines in the world. Nigeria is home to many Turkish businesses in very critical sectors of our economy. I know several Turks who married Nigerians, and their offspring represent a unique blend.

Aside from this, Turks in Nigeria represent a burgeoning industrious population. Beyond these, its defence capabilities are rated top-tier globally. The government of Türkiye has not hidden its readiness to partner with Nigeria, especially in the critical defence sector. Türkiye has what we want, and we need what they have. It is a symbiotic relationship.

A journey of a thousand miles

The diplomatic relationship between the two countries dates back to 1962, when it opened its embassy in Nigeria, not long after we attained independence. Turkish interest in Nigeria manifested significantly in the early 2000s with improved Turkish presence in our educational sector.

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The Nigerian Tullip International Colleges (NTIC) was established in 1998, and it has remained one of the flagship educational institutions in Nigeria. Its annual National Mathematics Competition for primary and junior secondary schools across the country, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, aims to identify talented individuals to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad.

The promoters of the NTIC also made tangible investments in a university and a hospital that have carved out niches in the education and healthcare sectors. The Turkish presence and interest in Nigeria are outstanding. It is a relationship that spans decades. And this relationship has recently expanded to the defence sector after a historic visit by President Bola Tinubu to Ankara at the behest of Turkish President Recep Erdogan in January 2026.

This precedes earlier visits by former president Muhammadu Buhari and reciprocal visits by the Turkish president to Nigeria in 2016 and 2021, where Nigeria signed a Defence Industry Cooperation (DIC) Agreement to help develop our defence manufacturing capabilities through military technology transfer. We have experienced tangibles in this regard with the recent military innovations by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

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President Bola Tinubu signed a record nine bilateral agreements. Top among them is the “Protocol on Military Cooperation” that covers military training, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism coordination.

This is a good one. We stand to benefit from Türkiye’s defence capabilities. The Turks hold a strategic place in Europe and Asia. As a member of NATO, it serves as a vital security buffer between Europe and the Middle East. From available research, the Turks do not give commitments for the sake of it. They use these commitments to market themselves, and this is why it has continued to rank high in its defence capabilities. Türkiye is ranked as the 11th largest exporter of arms and military hardware in the world. This is an expression of the level of commitment that it has displayed over several decades.

It’s a military affair

The Protocol on Military Cooperation is threefold. It touches on training, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism coordination. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), recently announced that 200 Nigerian military personnel would be travelling to Türkiye for training on counter-insurgency operations as part of this pact. This is cheering. According to sources, Türkiye has honoured previous pacts with Nigeria with mutual respect and decorum. And this, in my opinion, won’t be any different.

I used the example of NTIC and Nizamiye Hospital earlier because they speak a lot about commitment. It appears to be a cultural thing for Turks. It is called Vefa in Turkish culture. Vefa is a term that “blends loyalty, gratitude, and the honouring of old debts or ties.”

Republic of Türkiye

Nigeria, Republic of Türkiye

In Turkish culture, Vefa is a highly regarded virtue. It implies that if you have a shared history or a common struggle, you do not abandon that cause or person when things get difficult. Both countries share a history dating back to the Kanem-Bornu Empire. During the reign of Mai Idris Alooma (1571–1603), the empire established a formal diplomatic alliance with Murad III, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1574–1595).

This partnership made Mai Idris Alooma the first ruler in Sub-Saharan Africa to maintain a standing army equipped with firearms and Ottoman-style tactical training. Ottoman military instructors, known as “Solaks”—traditionally the Sultan’s personal bodyguards and highly skilled in the use of infantry firepower—were dispatched to train the Kanem-Bornu mounted troops on how to synchronize infantry firepower with cavalry charges. This explains the historical “Ottoman Vefa.”

This is why, “culturally”, Türkiye is committed to assisting in the war against insurgency in Nigeria. This is Vefa. This has been exemplified by other Turkish interests in the country, especially Nizamiye Hospital, which is reputed as an efficient facility and is known for several medical breakthroughs.

According to the International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ), Turkey is ranked third in the global destination for medical tourism. The Nizamiye Hospital example in this piece is strategic. It has contributed to the reduction in medical tourism, and of course, health is as critical as security.

Nigeria and Türkiye are the latest “couple” in defence collaborations. This pact has been described by both nations as strategic. President Bola Tinubu described it as an alliance designed to deliver “tangible benefits” for the security and prosperity of Nigerians.

President Recep Erdogan described it as a “manifestation of deep-rooted friendship and a commitment to shared stability.” The position of the Turkish president explains why Vefa is fidelity. And fidelity is a functional necessity of a marriage/alliance/partnership.

I can tell that this defence pact with Türkiye is different. It is an urgent need for Nigeria. This much the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), highlighted at the 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026) in Türkiye. In his recently published op-ed, “Nigeria-Turkey strategic alliance: The facts and the illusions”, he stated that “we are experiencing several layers of security threats across the country, and there are sustained efforts to address them.

With Türkiye, we didn’t just sign a defence pact. We got a great partner in our efforts towards addressing the security situation in the country.” This is the “love story”. There is no doubt that the Nigerian-Turkish defence pact holds prospects beyond what is in the public space.

I think Türkiye is in love with Nigeria, given this history, and these must not be misconstrued to mean anything other than the good of the country. Military alliances are critical in addressing insecurity in whatever form or manner it presents itself. I have attempted to explain my position in this manner using a hospital example so it can resonate.

Nizamiye Hospital is a Turkish organisation, and its impact is resounding in the health sector in Nigeria. Should we expect the same in the defence sector with this pact? I can vouch that this defence pact would succeed, given the history of Turkish interventions in Nigeria.

Ocheja, PhD, an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, is a military historian and creative writer. He is the author of “Operation Akpabana” (2025)

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Religious Leaders, Other Stakeholders Convene International Security Conference as Tinubu Calls for Peaceful Coexistence and National Unity

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Tinubu Adjust His Schedule To Visit Benue People

Religious Leaders, Other Stakeholders Convene International Security Conference as Tinubu Calls for Peaceful Coexistence and National Unity

Tinubu calls for peaceful coexistence and national unity. Nigeria and the Muslim World League will on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, convene an international security conference in Abuja, bringing together religious leaders and other stakeholders to advance peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.

The conference, holding at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, is expected to explore the relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development, while strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday at the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

Idris, who had earlier received Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and accompanied him to the mosque inauguration, described the visit as a demonstration of the strong relationship between Nigeria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the international community.

He said the conference comes at an important time for Nigeria, as the country continues to strengthen its national security architecture while pursuing reforms and investments aimed at accelerating socio-economic development.

The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity, stressing that peace and security are fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability across Africa.

“The President is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” Idris said.

He noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a major responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent, adding that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would positively influence West Africa and Africa as a whole.

Idris said the international conference would provide an important platform for religious leaders and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to strengthening peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.

He commended the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian Government and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit and the establishment of the mosque.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to Sheikh Al-Issa for his sustained commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding among faith communities.

Earlier, Sheikh Al-Issa commended President Tinubu’s efforts to foster peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, stressing that peace and harmony in Nigeria would contribute significantly to stability across West Africa and the wider world.

The Secretary General said his visit was centred on peace and peaceful coexistence and expressed confidence that the conference would provide an important platform for advancing dialogue and harmony in Nigeria and globally.

He also inaugurated a newly constructed Mosque in Gauda, Abuja and expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to its establishment.

The International Security Conference brings together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Tinubu Adjust His Schedule To Visit Benue People

President Tinubu

Attendance at the event included the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto; Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central Senatorial District; and Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, among other dignitaries.

Rabiu Ibrahim, MNIPR
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation

Monday, 10 August 2026

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ICPC Hosts Indonesian Diplomatic Dialogue, Seeks Stronger Global Cooperation, Knowledge-Sharing Against Corruption

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Indonesian

ICPC Hosts Indonesian Diplomatic Dialogue, Seeks Stronger Global Cooperation, Knowledge-Sharing Against Corruption

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for stronger international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the fight against corruption, as it hosted the second edition of its International Diplomatic Dialogue in Abuja on Monday.
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The dialogue, organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the ICPC, was themed “Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Indonesian Perspective.”
The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria was represented at the event by Mrs. Tuty Dityawanty, Minister Counsellor for Political Affairs.

In his address, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said the dialogue was designed to provide an opportunity for Nigeria to learn from Indonesia’s experience, policies and strategies in combating corruption.

Aliyu recalled that the Commission had earlier hosted the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Isaac Keen Parashina, MBS, during which both sides exchanged knowledge on approaches to tackling corruption in Kenya.

According to him, Indonesia’s experience is particularly relevant given the efforts of the country’s anti-corruption agency, the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK), also known as the Corruption Eradication Commission.

He said Nigeria could benefit from Indonesia’s experiences in areas including institutional reforms, legal reforms, enforcement and other strategies deployed to prevent and combat corruption.

The ICPC Chairman described corruption as a global phenomenon and a major impediment to sustainable development, economic growth, social justice and public trust in institutions.

He stressed that corruption has devastating consequences for the political, socio-economic and developmental progress of nations and organisations where it is allowed to thrive unchecked.

“As Nigeria continues to deepen its anti-corruption efforts, there is much value in learning from comparative experiences, understanding best practices, and identifying innovative approaches that can be adapted to our local realities,” Aliyu said.
He noted that the diplomatic dialogue reflects the commitment of the ICPC and ACAN to promoting international cooperation and evidence-based approaches to corruption prevention.

Aliyu further said the initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader objective of building a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors.

He expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Ambassador for accepting the invitation and sharing the country’s experiences and insights with Nigerian stakeholders.

According to him, the engagement further strengthens the cordial relations between Nigeria and Indonesia while demonstrating the two countries’ shared commitment to good governance and ethical leadership.

The ICPC Chairman also commended the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, and his team for conceptualising and organising the initiative, describing the Academy as playing an important role in research, training, advocacy and capacity development in support of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda.

He urged participants at the dialogue to actively engage in discussions, ask critical questions, share perspectives and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Aliyu stressed that the knowledge exchanged at the event should translate into practical actions capable of strengthening institutions, improving public trust and contributing to national and continental development.
“Corruption remains one of the greatest threats to development, but together, through collective action, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, we can build institutions and societies where transparency and accountability thrive,” he said.

Indonesian

Indonesian, ICPC

He disclosed that the ICPC would, in the coming months, host other heads of diplomatic missions to share their respective experiences and strategies in the fight against corruption.

The ICPC Chairman formally welcomed participants to the second edition of the International Diplomatic Dialogue and expressed hope that the deliberations would serve as a catalyst for stronger partnerships and innovative solutions in combating corruption.
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Umahi: “N752bn Abuja-Kano Highway to be Completed by November”

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Vandalisation Of Bridges

Umahi: “N752bn Abuja-Kano Highway to be Completed by November”

The Federal Government has said the remaining sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will be completed by November, with the ongoing works on the strategic road now estimated to cost N752bn.
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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, saying more than 80 per cent of the cost of the two major sections being handled by the present administration had already been paid.

Umahi said the government was also installing solar-powered streetlights along the highway and would deploy what he described as “superhighway guards” to protect the road from vandalism after observing attempts by some people to remove sections of the concrete pavement.

The minister spoke when he was decorated as the Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students by the leadership of the union at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano route covers 375 kilometres in one direction, translating to 750 kilometres when both carriageways are considered.

He explained that the Federal Government had previously spent more than N200bn on the portion of the road handled by Julius Berger, with the contractor completing 240 kilometres on each carriageway, amounting to 480 kilometres. He said another 140 kilometres, representing 280 kilometres when both carriageways are considered, remained to be completed.

Umahi said the current administration had recorded an unprecedented feat by completing 118 kilometres of the road with concrete pavement within 30 months, while work was continuing on the remaining 164 kilometres, or 82 kilometres on each carriageway. He said the two sections currently being executed by the government were valued at N752bn.

“For the first time, we are able to complete 118 kilometres of Route 118 on concrete pavement within 30 months. Never happened. Never happened. And today we are battling with the remaining 164 kilometres. That’s 82 kilometres by two. Both of these projects are costing us 752 billion under the President.

“Over 80 per cent has been paid. We are believing that by November the entire stretch would have been completed. We are putting solar lights. Every 30 meters, you have four poles. All true. I just came back from Lagos where we inaugurated the coastal guards. We are also going to inaugurate on this Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano. Superhighway guards. Because I saw people digging the concrete to remove roads,” he said.

The minister said the Federal Government was determined to ensure that the huge investment in the highway was protected from vandalism and other acts capable of undermining the road after completion.

He said the proposed guards would complement the government’s infrastructure protection efforts, particularly as the road would serve as a major transport corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna, Zaria and Kano.

Vandalisation Of Bridges

Umahi

Umahi also used the occasion to defend the administration’s spending on infrastructure, arguing that the projects were creating jobs and opening economic opportunities across the country.

He said every major construction site had generated direct and indirect employment, stressing that the infrastructure investments should not be viewed merely as government expenditure.
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