By Helen Udo,Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ekiti State Government for the establishment of an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Depot, aimed at enhancing operational sustainability and technical self-reliance.
The initiative was formalised during a high-level engagement between the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
The CAS underscored that the proposed MRO facility represents a critical component of the Service’s long-term force sustainment strategy, geared towards reducing dependence on foreign maintenance infrastructure.
Air Marshal Aneke highlighted that the project will significantly boost indigenous technical capacity, improve aircraft serviceability rates, and ensure sustained airpower projection in support of national security operations.
He further noted that Ekiti State was strategically selected based on its robust intellectual capital and its emerging status as a centre for innovation and technical excellence.
The CAS commended the Ekiti State Government for the proactive allocation of land for the establishment of a NAF base and supporting infrastructure, describing the move as a force multiplier for both security and economic development.
According to the NAF leadership, the MRO depot is expected to generate specialised manpower requirements, stimulate defence-related industries, and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation engineering ecosystem.
Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting defence initiatives, noting that the project will enhance internal security architecture while driving investment and human capital development.
Both parties reiterated their resolve to consolidate the partnership, with a shared strategic objective of strengthening national defence capabilities and fostering sustainable socio-economic advancement.
