Tinubu ‘in great shape’ after falling at Turkey reception, aides say

President Bola Tinubu continued his state visit to Turkey on Tuesday after briefly stumbling during a welcome ceremony in Ankara, an incident his aides said had no impact on his health or official engagements.

The fall occurred as Tinubu was being formally received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, prompting a brief pause in the ceremony. Officials later said the president was not injured and went on to hold his scheduled bilateral meetings.

Presidential aide Sunday Dare said Tinubu was “in great shape” and dismissed concerns raised by footage of the moment circulating on social media. Another spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the president lost his balance after stepping on a metal object on the ground, describing the episode as a minor stumble.

The Nigerian leader has previously downplayed similar incidents. After a public misstep in June 2024, Tinubu joked that onlookers thought he was performing a dance move, an episode that drew messages of support across party lines.
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The Ankara visit proceeded as planned, with Nigeria and Turkey announcing new economic, trade and defence cooperation agreements following talks between both presidents. At a joint press conference, Erdoğan said the two countries had reaffirmed a goal of expanding bilateral trade to $5bn.

Turkey also pledged increased cooperation with Nigeria in defence and security, including support in tackling militant groups, as well as enhanced collaboration in military training and intelligence sharing.

Tinubu later said Nigeria remained open to partnerships that promote trade, investment and shared prosperity.

The president, who took office in 2023 after defeating Atiku Abubakar in the election, has made foreign engagements a key part of his effort to attract investment and strengthen security cooperation.