Air Peace on Wednesday commenced construction of what is set to become West Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility, an initiative poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s aviation sector, reduce capital flight, and position the country as a continental hub for aircraft maintenance.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on a 34,000-square-metre site.
It was attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, along with executives from the Bank of Industry and Fidelity Bank, industry regulators, and other key stakeholders.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the project as the fulfillment of a long-cherished vision.
“My joy knows no bounds,” he said. “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, Honorable 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 highlighted the facility’s economic significance, pointing out that Nigerian airlines spent over $180 billion last year on maintenance and spare parts abroad.
“This MRO will change that narrative,” he said. “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.”
Project contractors Morgan Omonitan & Abe revealed that the development will span 32,000 square metres, featuring a 6,200 sqm hangar, a 2,000 sqm warehouse, a 2,600 sqm workshop, a 1,500 sqm office block, and a 10,000 sqm aircraft parking apron. Additional supporting infrastructure—including a car park, equipment shade, utility buildings, and landscaped areas—will cover another 9,700 sqm.
The project is projected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, train a new generation of engineers and technicians, and substantially curb capital flight.
Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer will provide technical support to ensure the facility meets global operational standards.
At the event, the Executive Director of the Bank of Industry, Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’okpala, praised the collaboration between Air Peace and its financial partners.
“What has happened between us, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Allen Onyema, and Air Peace is that we formed a strategic partnership,” she said.
Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Abolore Solebo, likewise commended the airline’s 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 treasure,” emphasizing that its benefits would reach well beyond the airline itself.
“This is not just Air Peace’s day; it is Nigeria’s day,” he declared. “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 added that the Presidential Fleet would also make use of the facility, calling it the “cheapest, most effective, and best option for government.”
