• Says Nigerians supportive, smiling people
• Delivered my duty with great honour
The outgoing Ambassador of Turkiye to Nigeria, H.E Amb. Hidayet Bayraktar, has said he’s leaving Nigeria with a heavy heart, noting he and his family will never forget the valuable friendships built in the country over the years.
Bayraktar said Nigerians are supportive, smiling and welcoming people, with a rich and diverse culture, and great food.
He made these statements in an emotional farewell message he penned as he leaves Nigeria for Ankara, Turkiye upon the completion of his four-year ambassadorial tenure.
Farewell Message by Ambassador Hidayet Bayraktar 👇 pic.twitter.com/uEFRjlKUrp
— Türkiye in Nigeria (@TC_AbujaBE) April 16, 2025
Bayraktar on Wednesday paid a farewell visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and also held a farewell meeting with staff of the Turkish Embassy in Abuja.
In his farewell message, the outgoing Turkiye envoy said he has carried out his duty with great honour since April 2021.
He said he has always supported the Turkish and Nigerian business communities and has maintained close contact with various stakeholders in the country.
“During my time in office, I have worked together with my colleagues tirelessly, to strengthen the relations between Türkiye and Nigeria in all areas, especially in trade, economy, security, and culture. I always supported the Turkish and Nigerian business communities who put a lot of effort into increasing the trade volume between the two countries,” Bayraktar said.
“I have maintained close contact with Nigerian diplomats, politicians, academics, artists, press, and think tanks. I have continued to carry out our country’s Africa partnership policy with our Nigerian counterparts based on the win-win principle.
“By visiting different states of Nigeria, I have built sincere relationships with our friends away from the capital. Everywhere I visited, the people of Nigeria met me with great warmth and affection, for which I am grateful.”
Acknowledges Nigeria’s solidarity
Bayraktar reminisced the visit of Turkiye President, Recep Tayip Erdogan, to Nigeria, which according to him strengthened the bonds between the two countries.
He also acknowledged the solidarity of Nigerians during a devastating earthquake that affected Turkey.
He said, “Although the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the entire world, led to a decrease in mutual visits and interactions, we managed to preserve the strong bonds of brotherhood between our countries. These bonds were further strengthened with the visit of our President to Nigeria between 18th – 20th October 2021.
“I have witnessed firsthand the growing support and sympathy of the Nigerian people toward our country over the years. Indeed, following the devastating earthquake on 6th February, our Nigerian brothers and sisters mobilized in solidarity with Türkiye. We stood firm with each other during difficult times and rejoiced together in happy moments. We celebrated the 100th anniversary of our Republic together with our Nigerian friends.
“We are bidding farewell with a heavy heart, but my wife Füsun, our son Arda, and I will take joy in the wonderful memories we have made over these past four years. We will never forget the valuable friendships we have built here, and we will always remember our years in Nigeria with nice feelings.
“We will miss Nigeria, with its happy and smiling people, rich and diverse culture, smart and creative artists, influential and impressive world of music, always welcoming and supportive officials, promising youth, and great food.”
Nigeria and Turkey continue to build on a strong foundation of strategic cooperation.
In a farewell audience with Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Hidayet Bayraktar, we reflected on the progress made in deepening bilateral relations across trade, security & cultural exchanges. pic.twitter.com/tuOV6dt6dg— Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (@YusufTuggar) April 16, 2025
The outgoing Ambassador thanked the Nigerian government and state institutions for the hospitality during his tenure, while also extending best wishes to his colleagues who will take over his work in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.
Appreciates Nigeria for her hospitality
“My sincere thanks to the Nigerian Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other state institutions, and the authorities of the Economic Community of West African States for their gracious hospitality during my tenure.
“I wish the very best to my colleagues who will take over the work in Abuja after me, to the businesspeople serving as a bridge between our countries, and to the Turkish institutions operating in Nigeria.
“I would especially like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians of all walks of life, who supported us always, and to the members of our Embassy, with whom we created an exemplary working environment based on respect and tolerance.
”Goodbye! Sai an jima! O dabo! Ka o di!”
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