On Sept. 17, Air Peace launched the construction of West Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This landmark project on a 34,000-square-metre site aims to reshape Nigeria’s aviation industry, cut capital flight, and make the country a top hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew key dignitaries, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, executives from the Bank of Industry and Fidelity Bank, regulatory officials, and other aviation stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, called the project the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the airline and Nigeria’s aviation sector. “My joy knows no bounds. 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, 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 said.
He stressed the facility’s economic impact, noting that Nigerian airlines spent over $180 billion last year on foreign aircraft maintenance and spare parts. “This MRO will change that narrative. 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,” he added.
Project contractors, Morgan Omonitan & Abe, shared that the MRO facility will cover 32,000 square metres, with a 6,200sqm hangar, 2,000sqm warehouse, 2,600sqm workshop, 1,500sqm office block, and a 10,000sqm aircraft parking apron. Supporting features include a car park, equipment shelter, utility buildings, and landscaped areas on an extra 9,700sqm.
The project is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, train a new generation of engineers and technicians, and sharply reduce capital flight. To ensure world-class standards, the facility will get technical support from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer.
At the ceremony, Ifeoma Uz’okpala, Executive Director at the Bank of Industry, praised the partnership between Air Peace and its financial backers as a milestone for Nigeria’s aviation growth. “What has happened between us, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Allen Onyema, and Air Peace is that we formed a strategic partnership,” she said.
Abolore Solebo, Executive Director at Fidelity Bank, commended Air Peace for its vision and 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 hailed the MRO project as a ‘national asset’ that will transform the wider aviation sector beyond Air Peace. “This is not just Air Peace’s day; it is Nigeria’s day. 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 declared.
Keyamo added that the presidential fleet would use the new facility, calling it the ‘most cost-effective and efficient option available to the government.’ Designed to handle a Boeing 777 along with five other aircraft at once, the centre is set to surpass similar facilities in South Africa and Ethiopia, making it Africa’s largest.
In closing, Onyema urged more confidence in domestic investment, seeing the project as proof of Nigeria’s ability to build world-class infrastructure. “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,” Onyema added.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s biggest airline, has always pushed for job creation and youth empowerment, like through its graduate trainee programme. With this MRO facility, the airline plans to create thousands more jobs and strengthen its role in national development.
