In response to rising passenger demand, Mehmet Poroy, the ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, has asked Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, for assistance in increasing Turkish Airlines’ frequency of flights to Nigeria.
The request was made on Thursday while Poroy led a group on an official visit to the minister’s office in Abuja, according to a statement released on Thursday by Tunde Moshood, the minister’s special adviser on media and communications.
Akin Carkci, general manager of Turkish Airlines Abuja; Amadou Ndongo Thiam, country manager of ASELSAN Nigeria; and Muzaffer Hakan Tok, head of political office, joined Poroy, who had just taken office.
The ambassador thanked Keyamo in his speech for his support of Turkish Airlines, especially during the time of labor unrest involving some fired employees.
He praised the minister’s expertise and impartiality in managing delicate aviation issues, characterizing his style as a reflection of Nigeria’s dedication to promoting international collaboration and respect for one another.
Poroy said his attendance at the Republic of Turkiye’s 102nd anniversary celebration was his first formal engagement since taking office in Nigeria.
The ambassador reiterated Turkiye’s resolve to deepen commercial and diplomatic relations with Nigeria, particularly in the fields of technology and aviation.
In order to promote trade, investment, and people-to-people interchange between the two countries, he added, the Turkish Embassy has made it easier for Nigerians to obtain business and tourist visas.
Speaking about air connectivity, Poroy stated that Turkish Airlines presently conducts 12 weekly flights to Nigeria, five to Abuja and seven to Lagos. In order to fulfill the increasing demand from passengers, Poroy asked the minister for cooperation in increasing the frequency.
Additionally, he presented ASELSAN, a Turkish defense and technology firm acknowledged as Europe’s radar center of excellence.
He stated, “ASELSAN offers both Early Warning Radar Systems (EWRS) and Air Surveillance Radar (AIR) solutions designed to provide full coverage of national airspace and produces high-tech radar systems that meet NATO and MIL-STD standards.”
“The systems can be operated remotely through satellite communications infrastructure and have dual-use capability for both civil and military applications.”
In order to strengthen bilateral cooperation in aviation and aerospace technologies, Poroy invited Keyamo to travel to Turkey in January 2026 to see ASELSAN’s radar facilities and meet with his Turkish counterpart.
FG WILL CONSIDER THE REQUEST FOR MORE FLIGHTS
In addition to welcoming the group, Keyamo praised Turkiye for its ongoing support of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Additionally, he told the envoy that the government is prepared to assist Turkish Airlines’ request for more frequent flights and commended the airline for upholding excellent operating standards.
As Nigeria continues its aviation modernization plan, the minister accepted the invitation to travel to Turkiye in 2026, highlighting the significance of technology cooperation in radar development and airspace surveillance.
Keyamo expressed hope that the two nations’ reestablished connection will lead to new opportunities for collaboration, improve air connectivity, and support both economic expansion and national security.
