Festus Keyamo SAN, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, welcomed His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, to his office in Abuja on Thursday. Poroy was joined by a high-level team on an official courtesy visit.
Mr. Akin Carkci, General Manager of Turkish Airlines Abuja; Mr. Amadou Ndongo Thiam, Country Manager of ASELSAN Nigeria; and Mr. Muzaffer Hakan Tok, Head of Political Office, were among the Turkish delegation.
These were included in a statement that Tunde Moshood, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s Special Advisor on Media and Communications, signed.
In his speech, newly appointed Ambassador Poroy conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his steadfast support of Turkish Airlines in Nigeria, especially during the time of labor unrest involving some fired employees. In managing delicate aviation concerns, the envoy praised the Minister’s professionalism, equity, and liberal approach, which he claimed reflected Nigeria’s dedication to promoting respect for one another and international cooperation.
After a successful celebration of the Republic of Turkey’s 102nd anniversary, Ambassador Poroy stated that this is his first official visit since returning to Nigeria. He reiterated his nation’s delight in its long-standing alliance with Nigeria, saying that Turkey is still dedicated to enhancing diplomatic and business relations, especially in the fields of technology and aviation.
In order to encourage trade, investment, and people-to-people interaction between the two countries, the Ambassador emphasized recent initiatives started by the Turkish Embassy, such as the quick and easy issuing of business and tourist visas for Nigerians.
Speaking on air connectivity, Ambassador Poroy revealed that Turkish Airlines presently operates 12 weekly flights to Nigeria: five to Abuja and seven to Lagos. In order to fulfill the increasing demand from passengers, he asked the Minister to support an increase in frequency.
Additionally, he presented ASELSAN, a prominent Turkish defense and technology firm known as Europe’s radar center of excellence. High-tech radar systems that satisfy NATO and MIL-STD standards are manufactured by ASELSAN, which also provides Air Surveillance Radar (AIR) and Early Warning Radar Systems (EWRS) solutions intended to cover all of the country’s airspace. He clarified that the equipment can be used remotely through satellite communications infrastructure and have dual-use capabilities for both military and civilian uses.
In addition to inviting the Honourable Minister to visit Turkey in January 2026 to conduct an on-site inspection of ASELSAN’s radar facilities, Ambassador Poroy also offered the Minister the chance to meet with his Turkish counterpart in order to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in aviation and aerospace technology.
He responded by extending a hearty welcome to the Turkish ambassador and his delegation and praising Turkey for its ongoing collaboration and financial support of Nigeria’s aviation industry. He told the envoy that the Ministry is prepared to support Turkish Airlines’ request for more frequent flights and praised the airline for upholding excellent operating standards.
Additionally, the Minister accepted the invitation to travel to Turkey in January 2026, highlighting the significance of technological cooperation in radar development and airspace surveillance as Nigeria pursues its agenda for aviation modernization.
He expressed hope that the reestablished collaboration with Turkey will lead to new opportunities for collaboration, improve air connectivity, and make a substantial contribution to both economic growth and national security.
