Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye are strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation and aerospace technology following a high-level diplomatic visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in Abuja.
The Minister received the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, alongside a delegation of senior officials including 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.
Ambassador Poroy, on his first official engagement since assuming office, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s professionalism and fair handling of sensitive aviation issues, especially his support for Turkish Airlines during a recent labour dispute.
He described Keyamo’s approach as “a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to mutual respect and partnership.”
The Turkish envoy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, commercial, and technological collaboration, noting that Türkiye takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Nigeria.
He highlighted recent efforts by the Turkish Embassy to streamline visa processing for Nigerians, particularly for tourism and business, aimed at promoting trade and people-to-people exchange.
Ambassador Poroy also disclosed that “Turkish Airlines currently operates 12 weekly flights to Nigeria—five to Abuja and seven to Lagos—and requested the Minister’s support for increased frequency to meet rising passenger demand.”
In a significant technological highlight, the Ambassador introduced ASELSAN, a leading Turkish defense and technology company recognized as Europe’s radar center of excellence. ASELSAN develops high-performance radar systems that meet NATO and MIL-STD standards, with dual civil and military applications for early warning and airspace surveillance.
He invited Minister Keyamo to visit Türkiye in January 2026 for an on-site inspection of ASELSAN’s radar facilities and discussions with his Turkish counterpart on expanding bilateral cooperation in radar development and aerospace modernization.
Responding, Minister Keyamo commended Türkiye for its continued investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector and lauded Turkish Airlines for maintaining exemplary operational standards.
He welcomed the proposal to increase flight frequencies and pledged the Ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that enhance connectivity and service delivery.
The Minister also accepted the invitation to visit Türkiye, describing it as “a timely opportunity to deepen technological collaboration in radar and airspace surveillance as Nigeria drives forward its aviation modernization agenda.”
Keyamo expressed optimism that the renewed partnership between both countries would open new vistas in aviation safety, national security, and economic growth, positioning Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa’s emerging aerospace landscape.
Lateefah Ibrahim