By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Ekiti State Government have launched a strategic partnership to establish an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Depot, aimed at enhancing indigenous technical capacity, improving operational readiness, and supporting national development. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja on 26 March 2026.
Speaking on the initiative, Air Marshal Aneke described the MRO depot as a pivotal milestone in the NAF’s ongoing drive toward self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and the sustainable projection of airpower in support of national security objectives. He highlighted Ekiti State as a strategic location due to its intellectual capital and growing reputation as a hub for knowledge and innovation. The CAS commended the State Government for allocating land for the establishment of a NAF base and associated infrastructure, describing the gesture as an investment that merges security enhancement with socio-economic development.
Air Marshal Aneke further explained that the proposed depot will not only strengthen the technical capability of the Nigerian Air Force but will also create specialised employment, stimulate local industries, and contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation and engineering sectors. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to expanding its operational footprint in Ekiti State, enhancing security architecture across the South-West region.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and unwavering dedication to safeguarding national stability. He assured the CAS of his administration’s full support for initiatives that advance both security and economic prosperity. The governor emphasised that the MRO depot and new NAF base would act as catalysts for investment, human capital development, and sustainable growth in the state.
Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to deepening strategic collaboration, reinforcing Nigeria’s security infrastructure, and promoting a safer, more resilient, and economically vibrant nation.
