ISTANBUL, Türkiye – Nigeria and Türkiye are seeking to expand cooperation in strategic communication, media development and cultural diplomacy, with both countries identifying the fight against misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence as key areas for joint action.
The renewed commitment followed a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Türkiye’s Head of the Directorate of Communications, Professor Burhanettin Duran, held in Istanbul on Saturday, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum.
According to Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to Minister Idris, the discussions focused on strengthening institutional relations between the two countries, particularly in broadcasting, professional media development, information literacy and international communication.
Idris thanked the Turkish Government for inviting Nigeria to participate in the TRT World Forum, while recognising Türkiye’s expanding international influence and growing engagement with African countries, particularly Nigeria.
He said both nations shared common interests in promoting international peace, security, cultural understanding and economic development, creating opportunities for closer collaboration across several sectors.
The Nigerian minister also commended Türkiye for hosting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in 2026, describing the visit as an important development that had created fresh opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
He further praised the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) for expanding its footprint across Africa, particularly through its Hausa-language broadcasting service, its engagement with Nigerian media professionals and the training opportunities it provides.
A major area of discussion was the growing challenge posed by fake news, misinformation and disinformation, alongside the misuse of artificial intelligence in producing and distributing misleading information.
Idris expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work more closely with Türkiye to address these challenges, warning that they posed increasing risks to public confidence, social cohesion and national and international security.
He called for stronger international partnerships, responsible use of emerging technologies and improved media literacy to help societies navigate an increasingly complex global information environment.
In this regard, the minister drew attention to Nigeria’s role as host of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute, which he described as an important institution for international cooperation, professional capacity building and strengthening public resilience against misinformation and disinformation.
Idris also expressed his interest in welcoming Professor Duran to Nigeria in the near future to advance discussions and identify practical areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Responding, Duran described Nigeria as an important regional and international partner, citing its strategic position, cultural diversity and professional capabilities as valuable assets in advancing global peace, security and development.
He said Türkiye was committed to expanding its cultural relationship with Nigeria and creating more opportunities for professional exchanges, particularly through institutional partnerships in communications and broadcasting.
The Turkish communications chief also welcomed the possibility of signing and implementing Memoranda of Understanding between relevant Turkish institutions and Nigeria’s public media organisations.
Such agreements, he said, could establish a framework for cooperation in broadcasting, content sharing, professional training and technical development, allowing media institutions in both countries to benefit from closer engagement.
Duran 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 coordination and develop strategic communication responses to emerging global challenges.
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