Key points
- The Chief of the Air Staff has dispatched a high-level delegation to Portugal to inspect the maintenance of a Nigerian Air Force C-130H aircraft.
- The delegation assessed progress on the aircraft’s Periodic Depot Maintenance and discussed measures to speed up completion.
- The Air Force said the exercise underscores its commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.
- The visit also explored future cooperation on technical training, logistics support and fleet sustainment.
Main story
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to restore one of its key transport aircraft to service by dispatching a senior delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing maintenance of its C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Ogunsina, visited OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, where the aircraft is undergoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM). During the visit, the team inspected ongoing work and held discussions with the maintenance company on ways to accelerate the programme without compromising safety and quality.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the visit reflects the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness. He noted that the service is closely monitoring critical maintenance programmes to ensure its aircraft remain reliable for national and regional operations.
According to Aneke, the engagement also provided an opportunity to reassure the public that the aircraft, despite experiencing transit-related challenges before arriving at the maintenance facility, is undergoing comprehensive inspections and servicing in line with international best practices.
He said the C-130H remains a strategic asset for the Air Force’s airlift operations and that discussions with OGMA also covered long-term technical support, logistics, training and future sustainment of the NAF’s C-130 fleet.
The Air Force added that strengthening partnerships with international aerospace firms remains central to preserving its operational capabilities and ensuring its aircraft are available to support national security missions whenever required.
The issues
The C-130H aircraft plays a critical role in the Nigerian Air Force’s airlift operations, supporting military logistics, humanitarian missions and regional deployments. Maintaining the fleet to international safety and airworthiness standards is essential to sustaining operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
What’s being said
“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.” — Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff
What’s next
The maintenance programme will continue in Portugal as the Nigerian Air Force works with OGMA to complete the project and return the aircraft to operational service while expanding long-term technical cooperation.
Bottom line
The inspection visit underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s focus on maintaining critical airlift assets through international partnerships, with emphasis on safety, operational readiness and long-term fleet sustainability.
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