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Isaac Agber

West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has officially commenced construction of a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The project, hailed as the biggest of its kind in Africa, is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s aviation sector, curb capital flight, and position the country as a hub for aircraft maintenance.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on a 34,000-square-metre site, was attended by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, top executives from the Bank of Industry and Fidelity Bank, aviation regulators, and other distinguished stakeholders.

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the event as the culmination of nearly a decade of resilience. “My joy knows no bounds,” he said. “We paid for this land eight years ago, but nothing happened until the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our indefatigable Minister of Aviation, Hon Festus Keyamo. In less than one year, they made it possible for us to stand here today. This is the first time Nigerian airlines are receiving massive support, and we at Air Peace are proud to be part of this history.”

Onyema emphasised the economic impact of the facility, noting that Nigerian carriers spent over $180 billion last year on overseas maintenance and spare parts.

“This MRO will change that narrative,” he explained. “It will service not only Air Peace but also other Nigerian and international airlines. Within the next 24 months, Nigeria will begin to attract foreign investment, as airlines from Africa, Europe, and the Americas bring their aircraft here.”

According to project contractors Morgan Omonitan & Abe, the facility will span 32,000sqm and include a 6,200sqm hangar, a 2,000sqm warehouse, a 2,600sqm workshop, a 1,500sqm office block, and a 10,000sqm apron for aircraft parking.

Supporting infrastructure such as a car park, equipment shade, utility buildings, and landscaped grounds will cover an additional 9,700sqm.

The MRO, backed by technical support from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, is projected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, foster a new generation of engineers and technicians, and drastically reduce capital flight.

Speaking on behalf of financial partners, Mrs Ifeoma Uz’okpala, Executive Director at the Bank of Industry, hailed the project as a model of strategic partnership. “What has happened between us, Fidelity Bank, Dr Allen Onyema, and Air Peace is a true collaboration,” she said. “We will continue to support Air Peace and Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Executive Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Abolore Solebo, echoed this commitment. “It was on the back of Air Peace’s idea and vision that Fidelity Bank established a proven first aviation desk. We will continue to work together to strengthen the industry,” he affirmed.

In his remarks, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the MRO as a “national treasure.” He said, “This is not just Air Peace’s day; it is Nigeria’s day. This hangar will save us billions in foreign exchange, attract foreign airlines to Nigeria, and create unprecedented opportunities for our people.

For the first time in decades, confidence has returned to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.” He added that the Presidential Fleet would also patronise the facility, calling it the most cost-effective option for government.

With the ability to accommodate a Boeing 777 alongside five additional aircraft, the Lagos MRO will surpass existing facilities in South Africa and Ethiopia.

Onyema concluded on a visionary note: “This is more than a foundation stone, it is a revolution. It is a statement that Nigeria believes in itself, that indigenous investment can thrive, and that we are ready to take our place on the global aviation stage.”

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has consistently championed youth empowerment and job creation, including through its Graduate Trainee Programme.

The airline has pledged that the new facility will generate thousands of opportunities, reaffirming its role as a key driver of national development.