President Bola Ahmed Tinubu briefly stumbled and fell on Tuesday during a formal welcome ceremony in Ankara, Turkey, an unexpected moment at the start of a high-level state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye.
The incident occurred as Tinubu walked alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the official reception.
He appeared to miss a step but was quickly supported and lifted back to his feet by officials. He regained his balance and continued with the programme without further disruption.
Why Tinubu is in Turkey
Tinubu arrived in Ankara on Monday night, January 26, 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey.
His aircraft touched down at Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 9:03 p.m. local time, where he was welcomed by a Turkish government delegation led by the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin.
Officials from Nigeria’s embassy in Turkey were also present to receive him.
The visit, which includes high-level meetings with President Erdoğan, is designed to broaden cooperation across several key areas, including security, trade, investment, education, and aviation, and to explore new frameworks for mutual economic development.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed to formalise cooperation in sectors such as defence, infrastructure, technology, and scientific research.
Tinubu’s delegation includes senior government officials such as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), among others.
The two countries are also expected to hold a business forum during the visit to bring together investors and promote deeper commercial ties.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
Presidential aides have described the trip as strategic and highly consequential, not just a routine diplomatic stopover.
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