Air Peace begins construction of maintenance and repair facility in Lagos
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Air Peace, Nigeria’s national flag carrier, has commenced construction of its 34,000-square-metre maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos.
Announcing the project in a post on X on Wednesday, Air Peace described it as a transformative initiative for Nigeria’s aviation sector.“Today, we officially broke ground on our 34,000sqm Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, a landmark project set to transform the nation’s aviation landscape,” the post reads.“This world-class hub will curb capital flights and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading center for aircraft maintenance.
“With the strong backing of the Federal Government, Hon. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN), and our trusted financial partners, the facility is designed to accommodate a Boeing 777 and multiple aircraft simultaneously.”
The airline noted that, in addition to servicing both local and international carriers, the facility will draw foreign investment and serve as a training ground for the next generation of aviation engineers and technicians.The national flag carrier said the project is not just merely a milestone for Air Peace, but as Nigeria’s victory — a collective step toward shaping the future of aviation in Nigeria.In a statement, Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister, said the ceremony was attended by industry leaders, financial partners and key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Allen Onyema, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Air Peace, said the long-awaited project is the realisation of a dream nearly a decade in the making.
“My 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,” he said.
“This is the first time local airlines are receiving massive support. Last year alone, Air Peace spent almost N180 billion on maintenance abroad. With this MRO, which will be completed in 15 months at a cost of N32 billion, we will save foreign exchange, attract international investments, and create over 50,000 jobs.”
‘EMBRAER OFFERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE’
The CEO said Embraer, a Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, is offering technical assistance for the facility, which is designed to support not just Air Peace, but also other airlines across Africa and internationally.
In his remarks, the minister of aviation described the project as a “national treasure” that reflects the federal government’s commitment to the growth of local aviation.
“Today 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,” Keyamo said.
“While some may mockingly call me the ‘Minister of Local Airlines,’ I wear that as a badge of honour. The survival and growth of local carriers is essential to Nigeria’s aviation future. The only thing we will never compromise is safety and standards.”
Victor Ekong, representing Morgan, Omonitan & Abe Limited, said the MRO will feature a 6,150 sqm hangar capable of housing wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777-ER, alongside multiple smaller aircraft.
He said it will also include a 5,000 sqm apron, 2,800 sqm of storage, 1,500 sqm of workshops, and a four-storey administrative building.
Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, executive director of large enterprises at Bank of Industry (BOI), said the project aligns well with the bank’s mandate.
“We believe it will significantly reduce the cost of aircraft maintenance, improve airline efficiency, and keep investment and jobs within Nigeria,” Uz’Okpala said.
Abolore Solebo, executive director of corporate bank directorate at Fidelity Bank, said the lender has had a long-standing relationship with Air Peace, tracing back to 2016.
“Our policy is to support Nigerian initiatives. In 2016, we partnered with Dr. Onyema’s 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,” Solebo said.
Moshood said the Air Peace MRO, set for completion within 15 months, will serve as a symbol of Nigerian ingenuity and resilience, positioning the country as a central hub for aviation services across Africa.
Other dignitaries at the event include Toyin Olajide, chief operating officer of Air Peace; Emiola Olatunbosun Luqman, director of human resources at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s director of special duties.
Also in attendance were representatives from Fidelity Bank and Zenith Bank; as well as officials from Morgan, Omonitan & Abe Limited, the indigenous civil engineering firm managing the project.
Air Peace begins construction of maintenance and repair facility in Lagos
