Air Peace has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, a project expected to generate over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and boost Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the N32 billion facility took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with Air Peace Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema describing it as a landmark moment for the airline and the country.
“The center will serve not only Air Peace aircraft, but also those of other local and international airlines,” he said, highlighting the hub’s potential to attract significant foreign investment.
Dr. Onyema noted that the airline had acquired the 34,000-square-meter plot eight years ago, anticipating the construction of the facility. He emphasized that the center is expected to be operational within 24 months, offering a domestic alternative to overseas maintenance.
“It has become difficult to secure maintenance slots abroad, forcing many airlines to turn to South Africa. We hope this center will reverse the trend in Nigeria’s favor,” he said.
The chairman praised the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for raising the global profile of Nigeria’s aviation industry. “The arrival of President Bola Tinubu and his appointment as a silver bullet have propelled aviation to new heights.
We are the beneficiaries,” he added, noting that the facility will help curb capital flight, which last year alone saw over 180 billion naira spent on aircraft maintenance abroad.
The MRO will accommodate Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and private jets, with a partnership already signed with Brazilian company Embraer to service aircraft from around the world.
The facility will also include specialised workshops for brakes, wheels, and batteries, and will train engineers and technical staff to international standards.
Dr. Onyema stressed the wider economic benefits: “This MRO will create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Engineers and technical staff will be trained, and the ease of doing business is back.
For the first time, airlines have massive support to make their dreams come true.”
Once operational, the MRO is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global aviation sector, providing high-quality maintenance services, retaining capital within the country, and supporting the growth of both local and international airlines.
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