Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has marked a significant milestone in its journey to revolutionise the country’s aviation industry with the commencement of construction of a cutting-edge aircraft Maintenance, Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Terminal 2.
The facility, estimated to cost N32 billion and create approximately 50,000 jobs, will be situated on a vast 34,000 square meter land at the Lagos airport.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Lagos airport on Wednesday, Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for their unwavering support in bringing this project to fruition.
“I want to commence my speech by extending my sincerest appreciation to Mr. President and his Minister of Aviation, as their support has enabled airlines in this country to begin actualising their aspirations,” Onyema said.
“This marks the first time airlines have received substantial support, and we are grateful for the minister’s proactive approach in championing the growth of our industry.”
Onyema disclosed that in 2024 alone, the airline spent over N180 billion on aircraft maintenance abroad, encompassing the procurement of spare parts, logistics, and other essential services.
He assured that the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility like this would not only reduce the country’s reliance on foreign services but also attract foreign investment, as domestic and international airlines from around the world would be drawn to the facility for maintenance and repair purposes.
He said the project will be supported by Embraer, which will provide technical expertise for the facility, adding that with this development, Nigeria’s aviation industry is poised to receive a significant boost, and the country’s dependence on foreign aircraft maintenance services is expected to decrease substantially.
Stakeholders present at the event said the construction of the MRO facility is a testament to Air Peace’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s aviation industry and its determination to provide world-class services to its customers.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the project and its potential to benefit not just Air Peace but the entire nation.
“Today is a momentous occasion for all of us, not just for Air Peace,” Keyamo said. “The facility that will spring up here is a national treasure that will require our collective support, protection, and dedication to ensure its survival.”
Keyamo emphasised the importance of supporting local airlines and noted that the ministry had made it a priority to ensure their growth and survival. “We are resolute in our commitment to supporting local airlines,” he said. “While some may criticise us, calling me Minister of Local Airlines, I view it as a badge of honour.”
Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, Executive Director Large Enterprises at the Bank of Industry (BOI), expressed delight that BOI had partnered with Air Peace on the project. “This project is a perfect fit for BOI’s mandate,” she said. “We are thrilled to be supporting Air Peace, and we believe that this project will have a profound impact on the Nigerian people.”
Uz’Okpala noted that the project would significantly reduce the cost of aircraft maintenance and improve the efficiency of airlines. “We recognise the substantial efforts required to service aircraft in Nigeria and its impact on airlines,” she said.
“We are committed to ensuring the successful delivery of this project, and we are excited to partner with Air Peace on this venture.”
