Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, has accepted an invitation to visit Türkiye in early 2026 to inspect advanced radar technology, following high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting took place in Abuja on Thursday between the minister and the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy.
Ambassador Poroy, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, used the occasion to thank Mr Keyamo for his support of Turkish Airlines in Nigeria. He specifically referenced a recent period of labour unrest involving some dismissed staff.
In his remarks, the envoy commended the minister’s “professionalism, fairness, and liberal approach” in handling sensitive aviation matters. He stated that this reflected “Nigeria’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and international cooperation.”
The ambassador also highlighted the growing air connectivity between the two nations. “Turkish Airlines currently operates 12 weekly flights to Nigeria — 5 to Abuja and 7 to Lagos,” he disclosed, before formally requesting the minister’s support “for an increase in frequency to meet growing passenger demand.”
A significant focus of the discussion was on enhancing Nigeria’s airspace surveillance capabilities. Ambassador Poroy introduced the Turkish defence and technology firm ASELSAN, which he described as “Europe’s radar centre of excellence.”
He detailed the company’s high-tech systems, which are designed to meet NATO military standards. “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 ambassador explained.
He added that the systems have “dual-use capability for both civil and military applications and can be operated remotely via satellite communications infrastructure.”
To advance this potential partnership, Ambassador Poroy extended a formal invitation to Mr Keyamo to visit Türkiye for a first-hand inspection.
“The Ambassador 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,” the readout stated.
In his response, Minister Keyamo warmly welcomed the Turkish delegation and commended Türkiye for its “continued partnership and investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
Addressing the airline’s request, the minister “assured the envoy of the Ministry’s readiness to support the airline’s request for increased flight frequencies.”
Crucially, the minister accepted the invitation to visit Türkiye in January 2026. He “emphasised the importance of technological collaboration in radar development and airspace surveillance as Nigeria advances its aviation modernization agenda.”
Mr Keyamo 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.”
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