NAF Reviews C-130H Maintenance in Portugal, Reaffirms Commitment to Safety, Operational Readiness

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed a high level delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of one of its C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.

The delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, alongside the Commander of the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited OGMA Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to evaluate the progress of the maintenance programme and engage with the company on measures to ensure the aircraft's timely return to service.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the delegation carried out a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to accelerate the project while maintaining the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.

The Air Force said the visit demonstrates the proactive leadership of the current Chief of the Air Staff in maintaining close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and ensuring that all NAF aircraft remain fit for operations.

The Service also used the opportunity to reassure Nigerians about the status of the aircraft, noting that although it encountered unforeseen transit challenges before arriving in Portugal, it successfully reached the maintenance facility where it is undergoing comprehensive depot-level inspections and servicing in line with global best practices.

The statement stressed that the NAF remains committed to safeguarding the technical integrity of its fleet and ensuring the safe and efficient deployment of its air assets in support of national security operations.

Recognising the strategic role of the C-130H platform in national and regional airlift missions, the Nigerian delegation and OGMA officials reviewed measures to sustain progress on the maintenance programme and facilitate the aircraft's early return to operational service.

Beyond the ongoing maintenance, both sides explored broader areas of cooperation, including long-term fleet sustainment, technical training, logistics support and future maintenance requirements. Discussions also covered opportunities for collaboration on emerging strategic airlift programmes as part of the Air Force's drive to build a modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready force.

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated that aircraft safety and operational readiness remain central to the Nigerian Air Force's mission.

"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 efforts underscore the Service's determination to preserve critical airlift capabilities while reinforcing public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Nigerian Air Force.