Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to deepen cooperation in media development, strategic communication and the fight against misinformation and disinformation as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations….
Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to deepen cooperation in media development, strategic communication and the fight against misinformation and disinformation as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations.
The commitment followed a bilateral meeting in Istanbul on Saturday between the 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, where both officials explored opportunities for stronger collaboration in broadcasting, cultural exchange, professional training and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Idris commended Türkiye for its growing engagement with Africa and Nigeria, noting that both countries share common interests in promoting global peace, security, cultural understanding and economic development.
He also praised the Turkish Government for hosting President Bola Tinubu earlier in the year, describing the visit as a milestone that had created fresh opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Minister particularly acknowledged the contributions of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) to media development in Africa through its Hausa-language service, engagement of Nigerian media professionals and training opportunities.
He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work more closely with Türkiye to tackle fake news, misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, warning that these developments pose growing threats to public trust, social cohesion and national security.
Idris called for stronger international partnerships, responsible deployment of emerging technologies and improved media literacy to address challenges in the rapidly changing global information environment.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing it as a platform for international collaboration, professional training and building resilience against information disorder.
In his remarks, Duran described Nigeria as an important regional and international partner, citing its strategic position, cultural diversity and professional resources.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to expanding cultural ties and professional exchanges with Nigeria, particularly through institutional partnerships in communication and broadcasting.
The Turkish communications chief also proposed the signing and activation 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).
According to him, the agreements would provide a framework for broadcasting cooperation, content exchange, professional training and technical development.
Duran further invited Nigeria to participate in the Sixth International Strategic Communication Summit scheduled to hold in Istanbul in January 2027.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening international collaboration, improving coordination and developing strategic communication responses to emerging global challenges.
Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and stronger institutional partnerships, with a view to using media cooperation and cultural diplomacy to advance peace, security and mutual development.
