The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.
The aircraft was earlier involved in diplomatic row with the military junta in Burkina Faso during the unrest in Benin Republic.
A statement by the NAF Spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame said the move reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.
He said the delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, and accompanied by the Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to evaluate progress on the maintenance programme and engage on measures to facilitate its timely completion.
The delegation during the visit “conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing maintenance activities and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to optimise timelines and sustain momentum towards the aircraft’s return to service,” he said.
He added that the engagement reflects the proactive approach of the current NAF leadership in ensuring close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and guaranteeing that all aircraft operate in accordance with the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.
He stated that the visit also provided an opportunity to reassure the public regarding the status of the aircraft, which had earlier proceeded abroad for its scheduled depot-level maintenance programme.
“Despite unforeseen transit challenges, the Nigerian Air Force remained steadfast in ensuring that the aircraft reached its designated maintenance facility to undergo comprehensive inspections and maintenance in accordance with global best practices,” he added.
According to him, the development underscores the Service’s uncompromising commitment to safety, technical integrity and long-term operational effectiveness, placing premium importance on the safe and efficient employment of its air assets.
He reiterated that recognising the strategic importance of the platform to national and regional airlift operations, both parties reviewed measures aimed at sustaining progress on the maintenance programme and facilitating the aircraft’s timely return to service.
He said the collaborative engagement further highlights the strong partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and global aerospace stakeholders in sustaining critical air capabilities and enhancing the Service’s capacity to effectively support national and regional operations.
“Beyond the ongoing maintenance programme, the delegation also explored broader areas of cooperation with OGMA and other industry partners, focusing on long-term support for the NAF C-130H fleet, technical training, logistics support and future sustainment requirements,” he said.
The statement noted further that the discussions equally examined opportunities for collaboration in emerging strategic airlift programmes, reflecting the NAF’s forward-looking approach to capability development and its determination to build a modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready Air Force.
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, stated that the Nigerian Air Force remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.
According to him, “The safety of our personnel and the airworthiness of our platforms remain paramount. We will continue to strengthen our maintenance culture and strategic partnerships to ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a highly professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.”
He added that the ongoing efforts further demonstrate the Service’s commitment to preserving critical airlift capabilities and inspiring public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Nigerian Air Force.
