The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, Mr. Mehmet Poroy, has said the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye has dropped significantly from about 9,000 to fewer than 5,000.
Poroy disclosed this on Wednesday during a strategic meeting with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The ambassador explained that before he assumed office, Nigeria ranked fourth among countries with the highest number of irregular migrants in Türkiye, noting that the country has now fallen out of the top six.
He attributed the development to improved cooperation and sustained engagement between Nigeria and Türkiye.
Poroy also revealed that about 4,600 Nigerian students are officially registered in various institutions across Türkiye, while an additional 3,700 Nigerian students are currently studying in Northern Cyprus.
He affirmed that there has also been a drastic reduction in cases involving the forgery of Schengen visas and falsified travel documents by some Nigerians, a development he credited to the collaboration between the Turkish authorities and the Nigerian Embassy.
He said the main purpose of his visit is to formally present a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities of the Republic of Türkiye and NiDCOM.
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Poroy explained that the proposed agreement is aimed at promoting a mutually beneficial economic partnership, with prospects for increased investment, enhanced technical cooperation, and job creation.
The ambassador reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for sustained collaboration in tackling the challenges of illegal migration involving Nigerians in Türkiye.
She added that the agreement would be finalised between NiDCOM and the Turkish Embassy to ensure swift implementation and tangible outcomes.
