NiDCOM Hosts Turkish Ambassador, Envoy Discloses Reduction in Nigerian illegal Immigrants
Oru Leonard
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, today, hosted members of the Turkish delegation.
Mehmet Poroy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, disclosed a significant reduction in the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, stating that the figure has declined from about 9,000 to fewer than 5,000.
Poroy explained that prior to his assumption of office, Nigeria ranked fourth among countries with the highest number of irregular migrants in Türkiye, but has since fallen out of the top six, attributing the progress to improved cooperation between both countries.
During the visit, Ambassador Poroy disclosed that 4,600 Nigerian students are officially registered in Türkiye, while an additional 3,700 Nigerian students are currently studying in Northern Cyprus.
He also noted a significant reduction in the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, which has declined.
The ambassador highlighted a previously recurring challenge involving the forgery of Schengen visas and falsified travel documents, commending the Nigerian Embassy for its collaboration, which has resulted in a drastic reduction in such incidents.
According to him, the primary purpose of his visit was to formally present a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) of the Republic of Türkiye, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Poroy explained that the agreement is designed to promote a mutually beneficial economic partnership, with prospects for increased investment, enhanced technical cooperation, and job creation.
Ambassador Poroy further reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations.
In her remarks, the NiDCOM Boss reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing the challenges of illegal migration involving Nigerians in Türkiye.
She noted that the proposed MoU would be finalised between NiDCOM and the Turkish Embassy to ensure prompt execution and tangible outcomes.
(NIDCOM Media, Abuja, Jan. 14, 2026)
