The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness by directing a high-level delegation to Portugal to oversee the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, alongside the Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to assess progress on the maintenance programme and engage the company’s management on measures to facilitate the aircraft’s timely return to service.
During the visit, the delegation carried out a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA officials on practical steps to optimise project timelines while ensuring full compliance with international safety and airworthiness standards.
The statement noted that the engagement reflects the proactive leadership of the current NAF administration in maintaining close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and ensuring that all Air Force platforms remain safe, reliable and mission-ready.
The NAF also reassured the public on the status of the aircraft, explaining that although the platform encountered unforeseen transit challenges before arriving in Portugal, it successfully reached the designated maintenance facility where it is undergoing scheduled depot-level inspections and maintenance in line with global best practices.
According to the statement, the Service’s handling of the maintenance programme underscores its unwavering commitment to safety, technical integrity and the long-term operational effectiveness of its fleet, while placing premium importance on the safe and efficient deployment of its air assets.
Given the strategic role of the C-130H aircraft in national and regional airlift operations, both the NAF delegation and OGMA reviewed measures to sustain progress on the maintenance programme and ensure the aircraft’s timely return to operational service. The discussions also highlighted the enduring partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and international aerospace stakeholders in strengthening critical airlift capabilities.
Beyond the ongoing maintenance, the delegation explored wider areas of cooperation with OGMA and other industry partners, including long-term fleet sustainment, technical training, logistics support and future maintenance requirements. The talks also examined opportunities for collaboration on emerging strategic airlift programmes as part of the NAF’s broader drive to build a modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready Air Force.
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated that safety remains the Service’s foremost priority.
“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.
The CAS added that the ongoing maintenance efforts demonstrate the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to preserve its critical airlift capability while reinforcing public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Service.
