Country Profiles
Nigeria
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is located in West Africa. It is bordered by Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin. Nigeria is referred as the `Giant of Africa’, due to its strong economy and large population. Its population reached 191 million in 2018 and Nigeria has the highest GDP in Africa with $375 Billion. Nigeria overtook South Africa in 2014 to become Africa’s largest economy. Nigeria is a member of African Union, United Nations, OPEC and Commonwealth.
Nigeria gained independence in 1960 from the United Kingdom. The official language of the country is English and its capital is Abuja. However, the biggest city and the industrial hub of Nigeria is Lagos. The population of Lagos is more than 20 million. Nigeria’s economy boomed thanks to oil industry. However, the economy of Nigeria is heavily dependent on oil price fluctuations.
China is the most important trade partner of Nigeria. Whereas, Nigeria exports most of its crude petroleum to India and USA. Nigeria has a positive trade balance, it exports more than it imports. However, the trade balance deteriorated due to decreasing oil price in the last years.
Turkey and Nigeria has diplomatic relations since the independence of Nigeria. Turkey opened an Embassy in Lagos, previous capital of Nigeria, in August 1962. Turkish businesses can find important opportunities in Nigeria thanks to its large and diversified economy. Manufacturing and food companies can use Nigeria as a hub to expand to other West African countries. The exports of Turkey to Nigeria are concentrated in industrial goods and agricultural products. Especially, processed iron is an important export good from Turkey to Nigeria.
Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of Nigeria with Turkey.


Country at a glance
- Capital city
- Abuja
- Official language
- English
- Population
- 191 million
- GDP
- $375 billion
- GDP per capita
- $1,969
- Human Development Index
- 0.532
- Top 3 import partners
- China, Belgium, Netherlands
- Top 3 export partners
- India, USA, Spain
- Top 3 import products
- Refined Petroleum, Ships, Wheat
- Top 3 export products
- Crude Petroleum, Petroleum Gas, Cocoa
- Trade balance
- +$12.7B in net exports
Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.
Turkey's exports to this market
Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.
2008
$257 million
Top 10 products account for 49.2% of the total.
| Product | Share of total |
|---|---|
| Raw Iron Bars | 14.3% |
| Hot-Rolled Iron Bars | 5.7% |
| Hot-Rolled Iron | 5.5% |
| Electrical Transformers | 5.3% |
| Iron Structures | 3.9% |
| Iron Blocks | 3.4% |
| Air Conditioners | 3.4% |
| Specialized Vehicles | 2.7% |
| Cement | 2.6% |
| Insulated Wire | 2.2% |
2017
$357 million
Top 10 products account for 43.3% of the total.
| Product | Share of total |
|---|---|
| Planes, Helicopters, and/or Spacecraft | 11.5% |
| Gypsum | 5% |
| Iron Structures | 5% |
| Hot-Rolled Iron | 4.8% |
| Starches | 3.9% |
| Other Sugars | 3.6% |
| Iron Stovetops | 2.5% |
| Air Conditioners | 2.3% |
| Styrene Polymers | 2.3% |
| Electrical Transformers | 2.3% |
Frequently asked questions
- Nigeria: what does Turkey export there?
- In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $357 million. The ten largest product groups made up 43.3% of that total, led by Planes, Helicopters, and/or Spacecraft; Gypsum; Iron Structures.
- Nigeria: who are its main trading partners?
- The three largest import partners are China, Belgium, Netherlands. The three largest export partners are India, USA, Spain.
- Nigeria: what does the country import?
- The three largest import products are Refined Petroleum; Ships; Wheat. The three largest export products are Crude Petroleum; Petroleum Gas; Cocoa.
- Nigeria: how big is the economy?
- Population 191 million, GDP $375 billion, and $1,969 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.532.
- Nigeria: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?
- The trade balance is +$12.7B in net exports.
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Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets



