By Mercy Peter
The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has disclosed a significant decline in the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, attributing the development to improved bilateral cooperation between both countries.
Ambassador Poroy made the disclosure on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, and other officials of the Turkish delegation at NiDCOM’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Turkish envoy, the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye has dropped from about 9,000 to fewer than 5,000, noting that prior to his assumption of office, Nigeria ranked fourth among countries with the highest number of irregular migrants in Türkiye, but has now fallen outside the top six.
He attributed the progress to enhanced cooperation between Nigerian and Turkish authorities, particularly in migration management and consular engagements.
Ambassador Poroy also revealed that 4,600 Nigerian students are officially registered and studying in Türkiye, while an additional 3,700 Nigerians are currently enrolled in educational institutions in Northern Cyprus, describing the figures as a reflection of the growing people-to-people ties between both countries.
The ambassador acknowledged that the issue of forged Schengen visas and falsified travel documents had posed challenges in the past, but commended the Nigerian Embassy for its effective collaboration, which he said had led to a drastic reduction in such incidents.
He explained that the main purpose of his visit was to formally present a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), and Nigeria’s Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
According to Poroy, the proposed agreement is aimed at promoting a mutually beneficial economic partnership, with prospects for increased investment, enhanced technical cooperation and job creation for Nigerians and Turks alike. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to deepening bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the Turkish delegation and reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing the challenges of illegal migration involving Nigerians in Türkiye. She stressed the need for continuous information sharing, sensitisation and lawful migration pathways to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
The NiDCOM Chairman added that the proposed MoU would be finalised between the Commission and the Turkish Embassy to ensure prompt implementation and tangible outcomes that would benefit Nigerians in the diaspora and strengthen bilateral ties.
She commended the Turkish authorities for their cooperation and support, noting that strengthened Nigeria-Türkiye relations would further enhance migration governance, educational exchange and economic opportunities.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism that the renewed engagement and the proposed MoU would further consolidate relations between Nigeria and Türkiye, particularly in the areas of migration management, education and economic development.
