Nigeria and Türkiye have pledged to strengthen cooperation in strategic communication, media development, cultural exchange and the fight against misinformation and disinformation.
This followed a bilateral meeting in Istanbul, Turkey between Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and Türkiye’s Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum.
In a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister thanked the Turkish Government for inviting Nigeria to the Forum and acknowledged Türkiye’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly its expanding engagement with Africa and Nigeria.
He noted that both countries share common aspirations in promoting global peace, security, cultural understanding and economic development.
The Minister commended the Turkish Government for hosting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the year, describing the visit as an important milestone that has opened new opportunities for broader and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
He praised the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) for expanding its presence in Africa, particularly through its Hausa-language service, engagement of Nigerian media professionals and provision of training opportunities.
The Minister expressed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Türkiye in combating fake news, misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, which he described as growing threats to public trust, social cohesion and national and international security.
He emphasised the need for stronger international partnerships, responsible deployment of emerging technologies and improved media literacy to address the challenges of the rapidly evolving global information environment.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s role as host of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing it as an important platform for advancing international collaboration, professional training and resilience against misinformation and disinformation.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris also expressed his desire to welcome Professor Duran to Nigeria in the near future to further consolidate the growing bilateral relationship and explore practical areas of cooperation.
Raecting, Professor Duran described Nigeria as a strong regional and international partner whose strategic position, cultural diversity and professional resources make it an important ally in promoting global peace, security and development.
He expressed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening cultural ties and professional exchanges with Nigeria, particularly through stronger institutional partnerships in the communication and broadcasting sectors.
Professor Duran welcomed the prospect of signing and activating Memoranda of Understanding between relevant Turkish institutions and Nigeria’s public media organisations, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
He said such agreements would provide a framework for cooperation in broadcasting, content exchange, professional training and technical development.
The Turkish communications chief also invited Nigeria to participate in the Sixth International Strategic Communication Summit, scheduled for Istanbul in January 2027, which will focus on strengthening international collaboration, enhancing coordination and developing strategic communication responses to emerging global challenges.
RN
