The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, today laid the foundation for the Air Peace Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. The groundbreaking project marks a historic milestone for Nigeriaโs aviation sector, with the facility set to become one of the largest and most advanced in Africa.
The foundation laying ceremony was attended by industry leaders, financial partners, and key stakeholders. Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman/Chief Executive of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide; FAANโs Director of Human Resources, Dr. Emiola Olatunbosun Luqman; FAAN Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Obiageli Orah; representatives of Fidelity Bank and Zenith Bank; Ifeoma UzโOkpala, Executive Director, Large Enterprises representing the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI); Abolore Solebo, Executive Director, Corporate Bank Directorate, Fidelity Bank; and representatives of Morgan, Omonitan & Abe Limited, the indigenous civil engineering company handling the project.
According to Arc. Victor Ekong of M.O & A, the facilityโsitting on a 32,000 sqm siteโwill boast a 6,150 sqm clear-space hangar, 2,800 sqm of storage space, 1,500 sqm of workshops, and a four-storey administrative building. The hangar will be capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777-ER, alongside several smaller planes. In addition, the facility will feature a 5,000 sqm apron area and be equipped to support both Nigerian and international airlines.
In her remarks, Ifeoma UzโOkpala of BOI expressed delight over the partnership:
โThis project is a perfect fit for BOIโs mandate. We believe it will significantly reduce the cost of aircraft maintenance, improve airline efficiency, and keep investment and jobs within Nigeria.โ
Abolore Solebo of Fidelity Bank noted the bankโs long-standing partnership with Air Peace:
โOur policy is to support Nigerian initiatives. In 2016, we partnered with Dr. Onyemaโs vision, helping Air Peace expand its fleet. Because of this partnership, we even established a fully-fledged aviation desk. We are proud to stand by Air Peace on this groundbreaking project.โ
In his remarks, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed profound joy:
โMy joy knows no bounds. This project was dreamt of nine years ago, the land was paid for eight years ago, but it took this administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Keyamo to process and renew it within a year. This is the first time local airlines are receiving massive support. Last year alone, Air Peace spent almost โฆ180 billion on maintenance abroad. With this MRO, which will be completed in 15 months at a cost of โฆ32 billion, we will save foreign exchange, attract international investments, and create over 50,000 jobs.โ
Dr. Onyema further disclosed that Embraer is providing technical support for the facility, which will serve not only Air Peace but airlines across Africa and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo SAN highlighted the significance of the project:
โToday is a momentous occasion, not just for Air Peace, but for our nation. The facility that will spring up here is a national treasure, and we are all duty-bound to protect and support it. We are unapologetic about supporting local airlines. While some may mockingly call me the โMinister of Local Airlines,โ I wear that as a badge of honour. The survival and growth of local carriers is essential to Nigeriaโs aviation future. The only thing we will never compromise is safety and standards.โ
The Minister also disclosed that the first set of dry-lease aircraft under new government-backed arrangements will arrive in Nigeria by October 6, 2025, a step that will further reduce capital flight and strengthen the industry.
The Air Peace MRO, expected to be completed in 15 months, will stand as a symbol of Nigerian ingenuity and resilience, anchoring the country as a hub for aviation services in Africa.
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