By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
Nigeria and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic communication, media development, cultural exchange and the fight against misinformation and disinformation.
The commitment followed a bilateral meeting in Istanbul over the weekend between the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Türkiye’s Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum.
The meeting was contained in a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who disclosed that both countries agreed to deepen institutional partnerships and promote responsible communication to advance global peace, security and development.
Idris thanked the Turkish Government for inviting Nigeria to the forum, noting that Türkiye’s growing engagement with Africa presents opportunities for stronger bilateral relations.
He commended Türkiye for hosting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the year, describing the visit as a milestone that opened new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The minister also praised the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) for expanding its African presence, particularly through its Hausa-language service, engagement of Nigerian media professionals and training opportunities.
Idris expressed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Türkiye against fake news, misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, which he described as threats to public trust, social cohesion and international security.
He emphasised the importance of international partnerships, responsible technology deployment and media literacy, highlighting Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute as a platform for professional training and global cooperation.
Duran, in his remarks, described Nigeria as a strategic regional and international partner, expressing Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties and professional exchanges.
He welcomed the prospect of signing and activating Memoranda of Understanding between Turkish institutions and Nigerian public media organisations, including the Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
According to him, the agreements would promote broadcasting cooperation, content exchange, technical development and professional training.
Duran also invited Nigeria to participate in the Sixth International Strategic Communication Summit scheduled for Istanbul in January 2027.
