NAF Conducts 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.

NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the move reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.

He said the delegation, led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Samson Ogunsina, and accompanied by the commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri, visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to evaluate progress on the maintenance programme and engage in measures to facilitate its timely completion.

In a statement he issued yesterday, Ejodame said the delegation during the visit “conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing maintenance activities and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to optimise timelines and sustain momentum towards the aircraft’s return to service,” he said.

He added that the engagement reflected the proactive approach of the current NAF leadership in ensuring close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and guaranteeing that all aircraft operate in accordance with the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.

Ejodame stated that the visit also provided an opportunity to reassure the public about the aircraft’s status, which had earlier been sent abroad for its scheduled depot-level maintenance programme.

“Despite unforeseen transit challenges, the Nigerian Air Force remained steadfast in ensuring that the aircraft reached its designated maintenance facility to undergo comprehensive inspections and maintenance in accordance with global best practices,” he added.

According to him, the development underscored the Service’s uncompromising commitment to safety, technical integrity, and long-term operational effectiveness, placing a premium on the safe and efficient employment of its air assets.

On the significance of the engagement, Air Marshal Aneke stated that NAF remained steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.

Aneke said, “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.”