Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in media development, strategic communication and the fight against misinformation and disinformation as both countries seek to deepen diplomatic and cultural relations.
The agreement followed a bilateral meeting in Istanbul on Saturday between Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Türkiye’s Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum, focused on expanding collaboration in broadcasting, cultural exchange, professional training and the responsible application of emerging technologies.
Idris commended Türkiye for strengthening its engagement with African countries, particularly Nigeria, noting that both nations share common interests in promoting global peace, security, cultural understanding and economic development.
He also appreciated the Turkish government for hosting President Bola Tinubu earlier in the year, describing the visit as an important milestone that opened new opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
The minister specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) to media development in Africa through its Hausa-language service, engagement of Nigerian journalists and professional training programmes.
Idris expressed Nigeria’s readiness to expand cooperation with Türkiye in addressing fake news, misinformation, disinformation and the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, warning that these challenges threaten public trust, social stability and national security.
He called for stronger international partnerships, responsible use of emerging technologies and increased media literacy to help citizens identify and counter false information.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing the institution as an important platform for international cooperation, professional development and building resilience against information disorder.
In his response, Duran described Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa and the international community, citing its regional influence, cultural diversity and professional capacity.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening cultural relations and professional exchanges with Nigeria, particularly through institutional partnerships in communication and broadcasting.
Duran also proposed the signing and implementation of 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 the proposed agreements would provide a framework for content exchange, broadcasting cooperation, technical development and professional training for media practitioners in both countries.
The Turkish communications chief further invited Nigeria to participate in the Sixth International Strategic Communication Summit scheduled to take place in Istanbul in January 2027.
The summit is expected to bring together international stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, improve communication strategies and develop collective responses to emerging global challenges.
Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and stronger institutional partnerships, expressing optimism that closer media cooperation and cultural diplomacy would promote mutual understanding, peace, security and development.
