NAF Inspects C-130H Aircraft Undergoing Maintenance in Portugal
Pecohub The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has dispatched a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to inspect the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of the C-130H aircraft NAF 913, as part of efforts to ensure its timely return to operational service.
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 OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, where the aircraft is undergoing depot-level maintenance.
According to a statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the delegation carried out a comprehensive inspection of the maintenance work and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on measures to accelerate the programme while maintaining international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.
He said the visit reflected the proactive leadership of the Air Chief in closely monitoring critical maintenance projects and ensuring that NAF aircraft remain safe, reliable and mission-ready.
Ejodame noted that the visit also reassured the public about the status of the aircraft, which was sent overseas for scheduled depot maintenance.
He explained that despite unforeseen transit challenges encountered before the aircraft arrived at the maintenance facility, the NAF remained committed to ensuring it underwent the required comprehensive inspections and maintenance in line with global best practices.
Recognising the strategic importance of the C-130H platform to national and regional airlift operations, he said both the NAF delegation and OGMA reviewed practical measures to sustain the pace of work and facilitate the aircraft’s early return to service.
Beyond the ongoing maintenance programme, the delegation also explored broader areas of cooperation with OGMA and other industry partners, including long-term fleet support, technical training, logistics assistance and future sustainment requirements.
According to Ejodame, discussions also examined opportunities for collaboration in emerging strategic airlift programmes, reflecting the NAF’s long-term vision of building a modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready Air Force.
