Aviation Minister Receives Turkish Ambassador, Discusses Radar Partnership
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, on Thursday received in audience the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation on an official courtesy visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja.
The Turkish delegation included Mr. Muzaffer Hakan Tok, Head of Political Office; Mr. Akin Carkci, General Manager of Turkish Airlines Abuja; and Mr. Amadou Ndongo Thiam, Country Manager of ASELSAN Nigeria.
In his remarks, Ambassador Poroy, who recently assumed office, expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering support toward Turkish Airlines in Nigeria, particularly during the period of labour agitation involving some dismissed staff members. The envoy commended the Minister’s professionalism, fairness, and liberal approach in handling sensitive aviation matters, which, he said, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and international cooperation.
Ambassador Poroy, fresh from the successful commemoration of the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, noted that his visit marks his first official engagement since resuming duty in Nigeria. He reaffirmed his country’s pride in its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, stating that Türkiye remains committed to strengthening both diplomatic and commercial ties, particularly in the aviation and technological sectors.
The Ambassador highlighted recent improvements initiated by the Turkish Embassy, including the facilitation and speedy issuance of tourist and business visas for Nigerians, aimed at promoting trade, investment, and people-to-people exchange between both nations.
Speaking on air connectivity, Ambassador Poroy disclosed that Turkish Airlines currently operates 12 weekly flights to Nigeria — 5 to Abuja and 7 to Lagos — and requested the Minister’s support for an increase in frequency to meet growing passenger demand.
He also introduced ASELSAN, a leading Turkish defense and technology company recognized as Europe’s radar center of excellence. ASELSAN produces high-tech radar systems that meet NATO and MIL-STD standards and offers both Early Warning Radar Systems (EWRS) and Air Surveillance Radar (AIR) solutions designed to provide full coverage of national airspace. The systems, he explained, possess dual-use capability for both civil and military applications and can be operated remotely via satellite communications infrastructure.
Ambassador Poroy extended an invitation to the Honourable Minister to visit Türkiye in January 2026 for an on-site inspection of ASELSAN’s radar facilities — a visit that would also afford the Minister the opportunity to meet with his Turkish counterpart to deepen bilateral cooperation in aviation and aerospace technology.
In his response, the warmly welcomed the Turkish Ambassador and his delegation, commending Türkiye for its continued partnership and investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He lauded Turkish Airlines for maintaining exemplary operational standards and assured the envoy of the Ministry’s readiness to support the airline’s request for increased flight frequencies.
The Minister further accepted the invitation to visit Türkiye in January 2026, emphasizing the importance of technological collaboration in radar development and airspace surveillance as Nigeria advances its aviation modernization agenda.
He expressed optimism that the renewed partnership with Türkiye would open new vistas of cooperation, enhance air connectivity, and contribute significantly to national security and economic growth.
