The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has dispatched a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to oversee the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H aircraft, NAF 913, 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, and accompanied by the Commander of the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to assess progress on the maintenance programme and explore measures to accelerate the aircraft’s return to operational service.
During the visit, the team carried out a comprehensive inspection of the maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to optimise timelines while ensuring strict adherence to international aviation safety and airworthiness standards.
The engagement, according to the Nigerian Air Force, reflects the proactive leadership of Air Marshal Aneke in maintaining close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and ensuring that all NAF aircraft remain safe, reliable and mission-ready.
The visit also served to reassure the public over the status of the aircraft, which had earlier departed Nigeria for its scheduled depot-level maintenance. The Air Force noted that despite unforeseen transit challenges, it ensured the aircraft safely reached the designated maintenance facility, where it is undergoing comprehensive inspections and servicing in line with global best practices.
The Service said the development underscores its unwavering commitment to safety, technical excellence and the long-term operational effectiveness of its air fleet, stressing that the safe and efficient deployment of its air assets remains a top priority.
Recognising the strategic role of the C-130H platform in national and regional airlift operations, the delegation and OGMA officials reviewed measures to sustain progress on the maintenance programme and facilitate the aircraft’s timely return to service.
The discussions also highlighted the growing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and international aerospace stakeholders in sustaining critical airlift capabilities and enhancing the Service’s ability to support national defence and regional operations.
Beyond the ongoing maintenance programme, the delegation explored broader areas of collaboration with OGMA and other industry partners, including long-term fleet sustainment, technical training, logistics support and future maintenance requirements for the NAF’s C-130H aircraft.
The talks further examined opportunities for cooperation in emerging strategic airlift programmes, reflecting the Air Force’s long-term vision of building a modern, technologically advanced and combat-ready force.
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated that maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness remains a core priority for the Nigerian Air Force.
“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.
He added that the ongoing maintenance programme demonstrates the Service’s resolve to preserve its critical airlift capabilities while reinforcing public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Nigerian Air Force.
