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Air Peace Breaks Ground on West Africa’s Largest Aircraft Maintenance Facility in Lagos
50,000 jobs to be created, billions saved in capital flight, Nigeria positioned as aviation hub
Air Peace has begun construction of West Africa’s largest aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The landmark project is expected to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, reduce dependence on overseas maintenance, and establish the country as a hub for African and international airlines.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, was attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, senior executives from the Bank of Industry and Fidelity Bank, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, called the project the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
“We paid for this land eight years ago, but nothing happened until the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our indefatigable Minister of Aviation. This is the first time Nigerian airlines are receiving massive support, and we at Air Peace are proud to be part of this history.”
Onyema stressed the facility’s economic benefits, noting that Nigerian airlines spent more than $180 billion last year on overseas maintenance and spare parts. “This MRO will change that narrative. It will serve Air Peace as well as other Nigerian and foreign airlines. Within 24 months, Nigeria will begin attracting foreign carriers from Africa, Europe, and the Americas to bring their aircraft here,” he said.
Largest in Africa
The project, handled by Morgan Omonitan & Abe, will include a 6,200sqm hangar, 2,600sqm workshop, 2,000sqm warehouse, 1,500sqm office block, and a 10,000sqm aircraft parking apron, supported by additional infrastructure such as a car park and utility buildings.
The facility will accommodate a Boeing 777 alongside five other aircraft at once—making it the largest in Africa, surpassing similar infrastructure in South Africa and Ethiopia. Technical support will come from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer.
Massive Job Creation
The development is projected to generate over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, provide training for new engineers and technicians, and drastically reduce capital flight.
Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’okpala, Executive Director at the Bank of Industry, praised the strategic partnership with Air Peace and its financial partners. Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Abolore Solebo, also commended the airline’s foresight, noting that Air Peace’s vision inspired the bank to establish Nigeria’s first aviation desk.
Minister Keyamo described the MRO as a “national treasure.”
“This hangar will save billions in foreign exchange, attract foreign airlines, and create unprecedented opportunities for our people. Even the Presidential Fleet will use this facility, as it is the most cost-effective option for government.”
Onyema’s Final Word
“This is more than a foundation stone—it is a revolution. It proves Nigeria believes in itself, that indigenous investment can thrive, and that we are ready to take our place on the global aviation stage.”
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, continues to invest in job creation and youth empowerment. With the new MRO facility, the carrier aims to cement its role as a driver of national development and regional aviation growth.
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