Air Peace on Wednesday broke ground on what will become West Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, a project expected to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, cut capital flight, and establish the country as a continental hub for aircraft maintenance.
The ceremony took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, on a 34,000 square metre site, and was attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, executives from the Bank of Industry and Fidelity Bank, regulators, and other industry stakeholders.
Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the project as the realisation of a long-held vision. “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, Honorable 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 stressed the economic impact of the facility, noting that Nigerian airlines spent more than $180 billion last year on overseas maintenance and spare parts. “This MRO will change that narrative,” he said. “It will not only service Air Peace aircraft but also those of other Nigerian and international airlines. In the next 24 months, Nigeria will begin attracting direct foreign investment, as airlines from Africa, Europe, and the Americas bring their aircraft here.”
Project contractors Morgan Omonitan & Abe disclosed that the development will cover 32,000 square metres, with a 6,200sqm hangar, a 2,000sqm warehouse, a 2,600sqm workshop, a 1,500sqm office block, and a 10,000sqm aircraft parking apron. Supporting infrastructure will include a car park, equipment shade, utility buildings, and landscaped areas, covering an additional 9,700sqm.
The project is expected to generate more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, train new engineers and technicians, and significantly reduce capital flight. Technical backing will be provided by Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer to ensure global-standard operations.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Ifeoma Uz’okpala, Executive Director at the Bank of Industry, hailed the partnership with Air Peace and its financial allies. “What has happened between us, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Allen Onyema, and Air Peace is that we formed a strategic partnership,” she said, pledging continued support.
Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director, Mr Abolore Solebo, also praised the airline’s foresight. “It was on the back of Air Peace’s idea and vision that Fidelity Bank established a proven first aviation desk. We thank you for that, and we will continue to work together. All other airlines have benefited from this, and we will keep supporting the industry,” he said.
Minister Keyamo described the MRO project as a “national treasure” whose benefits would extend far beyond the airline. “This is not just Air Peace’s day; it is Nigeria’s day,” he declared. “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 make use of the facility, calling it the “cheapest, most effective, and best option for government.”
With capacity to accommodate a Boeing 777 alongside five other aircraft at the same time, the new facility will surpass similar infrastructure in South Africa and Ethiopia, becoming the largest in Africa.
Onyema concluded his remarks with a call to confidence in local investment. “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 pursued initiatives that promote job creation and youth empowerment, including its Graduate Trainee Programme. With the new MRO facility, the airline said it would create thousands of additional jobs while reinforcing its commitment to national development.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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