Mehmet Poroy, ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, has sought the support of Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, to increase Turkish Airlines flight frequency to Nigeria in response to growing passenger demand.
According to a statement on Thursday by Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister, the request was made on Thursday when Poroy led a delegation on an official visit to the minister’s office in Abuja.
Poroy, who recently assumed office, was accompanied by Muzaffer Hakan Tok, head of political office; Akin Carkci, general manager of Turkish Airlines Abuja; and Amadou Ndongo Thiam, country manager of ASELSAN Nigeria.
In his remarks, the ambassador expressed appreciation to Keyamo for his support to Turkish Airlines, particularly during the period of labour agitation involving some dismissed staff.
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He commended the minister’s fairness, and professionalism in handling sensitive aviation matters, describing his approach as reflective of Nigeria’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and international cooperation.
Poroy, who attended the celebration of the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye, said his visit marked his first official engagement since assuming office in Nigeria.
The envoy reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties with Nigeria, especially in aviation and technology.
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He also noted that the Turkish Embassy has improved the facilitation and issuance of tourist and business visas to Nigerians aimed at promoting trade, investment, and people-to-people exchange between both nations.
Speaking on air connectivity, Poroy said Turkish Airlines currently operates 12 weekly flights to Nigeria — five to Abuja and seven to Lagos — and requested the minister’s support for an increase in frequency to meet growing passenger demand.
He also introduced ASELSAN, a Turkish defence and technology company recognised as Europe’s radar centre 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,” he said.
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“The systems possess dual-use capability for both civil and military applications and can be operated remotely via satellite communications infrastructure.”
Poroy invited Keyamo to visit Turkiye in January 2026 for an inspection of ASELSAN’s radar facilities and to meet with his Turkish counterpart to deepen bilateral cooperation in aviation and aerospace technology.
FG TO CONSIDER REQUEST FOR INCREASED FLIGHT FREQUENCY
Keyamo welcomed the delegation and commended Turkiye for its continued investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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He also praised Turkish Airlines for maintaining exemplary operational standards and assured the envoy of the government’s readiness to support the airline’s request for increased flight frequencies.
The minister accepted the invitation to visit Turkiye in 2026, emphasising the importance of technological collaboration in radar development and airspace surveillance as Nigeria advances its aviation modernisation agenda.
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Keyamo expressed optimism that the renewed partnership between both countries would open new vistas of cooperation, enhance air connectivity, and contribute to national security and economic growth.
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