NAF Chief Orders High-Level Oversight of C-130H Maintenance in Portugal
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 assess 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 the Commander of the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, where the aircraft is undergoing scheduled depot-level maintenance.
During the visit, the team inspected the progress of the maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on measures to accelerate the completion of the programme and facilitate the aircraft’s return to operational service.
The engagement also served to reassure the public on the status of the aircraft, which had earlier been sent overseas for routine depot-level maintenance, underscoring the Nigerian Air Force’s adherence to global best practices in aircraft maintenance and its commitment to ensuring the safety and technical integrity of its fleet.
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Recognising the strategic importance of the C-130H platform to national and regional airlift operations, both the NAF delegation and OGMA officials reviewed strategies aimed at ensuring the successful completion of the maintenance programme while sustaining progress toward the aircraft’s return to service.
The discussions highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and international aerospace stakeholders in maintaining critical airlift capabilities and strengthening the Service’s ability to support national security operations.
Beyond the current maintenance programme, the delegation explored additional areas of collaboration with OGMA and other industry partners, including long-term fleet support, technical training, logistics, and future aircraft sustainment requirements.
The talks also examined opportunities for cooperation in emerging strategic airlift programmes as part of the Nigerian Air Force’s broader efforts to modernise its fleet and enhance operational capabilities.
Speaking on the initiative, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.
“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,” the CAS said.
The visit reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained investment in preserving its critical airlift capabilities while reinforcing public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Service.
By PRNigeria
