NAF, Ekiti Partner on Aircraft Maintenace Depot as CAS Pledges Exoanded Airpower Presence
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and the Ekiti State Government have initiated strategic collaboration towards the establishment of an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Depot aimed at strengthening indigenous technical capacity, enhancing operational readiness, and advancing national development.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja on 26 March 2026.
The CAS noted that the initiative represents a critical milestone in the Service’s deliberate drive towards self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and the sustainable projection of airpower in support of national security objectives.
Air Marshal Aneke further explained that Ekiti State was identified as a potential host location due to its strong intellectual capital and growing reputation as a hub of knowledge and innovation. He commended the State Government for the allocation of land for the establishment of a NAF base and associated infrastructure, describing the gesture as a strategic investment in both security and socio-economic development.
According to the CAS, the proposed depot will not only enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s technical capability but will also generate specialised employment opportunities, stimulate local industry, and contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation and engineering sectors.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to expanding its operational footprint in Ekiti State to further strengthen security architecture across the South-West region.
In his response, Governor Oyebanji lauded the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and unwavering commitment to safeguarding national stability, assuring the CAS of his administration’s full support for initiatives aimed at enhancing security and economic prosperity.
He emphasised that the proposed MRO depot and NAF base would not only bolster the State’s security framework but also catalyse investment, human capital development, and sustainable growth. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to deepen strategic collaboration in pursuit of a safer, more resilient, and economically vibrant Nigeria.
