The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to oversee the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of one of its C-130H aircraft, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, alongside the Commander of the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to assess progress on the maintenance of aircraft NAF 913 and engage with the company on measures to ensure its timely return to service.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the delegation inspected ongoing maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on optimising timelines while ensuring the aircraft meets the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.
The Air Force said the visit also aimed to reassure the public over the status of the aircraft, which was sent abroad for scheduled depot-level maintenance. It noted that despite unforeseen transit challenges, the aircraft successfully reached the designated maintenance facility, where it is undergoing comprehensive inspections and servicing in line with global best practices.
The statement added that both parties reviewed measures to sustain progress on the maintenance programme, recognising the aircraft’s strategic role in national and regional airlift operations.
It also said discussions covered broader areas of cooperation, including long-term support for the NAF’s C-130H fleet, technical training, logistics support and collaboration on future strategic airlift programmes.
Speaking on the development, Air Marshal Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.
“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 capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives,” he said.
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