The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has proposed a strategic collaboration between Nigerians in the diaspora and Turkey’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the agency responsible for Turkey’s diaspora affairs.
Ambassador Poroy made the proposal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.
Highlighting the size and influence of the Turkish diaspora, Poroy noted that approximately 7.5 million Turks live abroad, with 6.5 million residing in Europe. He emphasized their active participation in political life, including holding key positions in local governments across the continent. He also expressed a keen interest in learning more about the Nigerian diaspora, observing that despite differing contexts, both communities share unique and comparable characteristics.
Poroy acknowledged the difficulty in capturing accurate diaspora data but recognized the value of structured engagement. He commended NiDCOM’s efforts and expressed Turkey’s willingness to engage further with Nigeria on diaspora matters.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the ambassador and highlighted the shared diaspora experiences of both nations. She introduced NiDCOM’s newly launched Diaspora Registration Portal, designed to enhance data collection, improve engagement, and strengthen support mechanisms for Nigerians living abroad.
She also outlined some of the Commission’s flagship initiatives, including the Diaspora Investment Summit, the National Diaspora Day, and the Diaspora Merit Awards — platforms that celebrate Nigerian diaspora achievements and encourage greater involvement in national development.
Both parties expressed a strong desire to strengthen bilateral ties through diaspora engagement and policy exchange. Ambassador Poroy reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to host a Nigerian delegation for further dialogue and collaboration.
