By Our Reporter
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 one of its C-130H transport aircraft.
A press statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the move underscored the service’s commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.
According to the statement, the delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to inspect maintenance work on C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.
It said the delegation also included the Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri.
The statement said the team carried out a comprehensive assessment of the maintenance programme and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on measures to facilitate the aircraft’s timely return to service.
It added that the visit reflected the current NAF leadership’s proactive oversight of critical maintenance programmes to ensure aircraft meet the highest international safety and airworthiness standards.
According to the statement, the delegation also reassured the public on the status of the aircraft, which had earlier departed Nigeria for its scheduled depot-level maintenance.
It noted that despite unforeseen transit challenges, the aircraft successfully arrived at the maintenance facility, where it is undergoing comprehensive inspections and servicing in line with global best practices.
The statement said both parties also reviewed measures to sustain progress on the maintenance programme, considering the strategic role of the C-130H platform in national and regional airlift operations.
It added that discussions extended beyond the ongoing maintenance to include technical training, logistics support, long-term sustainment of the NAF C-130H fleet and collaboration on future strategic airlift programmes.
Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.
“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 air power in support of national security objectives,” he said.
He added that the ongoing maintenance effort demonstrated the service’s resolve to preserve critical airlift capabilities while strengthening public confidence in the professionalism and technical competence of the Nigerian Air Force.
