Air Peace Announces 50,000 Job Spaces as It Begins MRO Facility in Lagos

Air Peace has commenced construction of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Lagos Airport, a project set to create over 50,000 jobs and position Nigeria as a hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa.

West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has officially commenced construction of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on a 34,000-square-metre site, marked a historic milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry. The project, described as the biggest of its kind in Africa, is expected to drastically reduce capital flight, strengthen local capacity, and position Nigeria as a continental hub for aircraft maintenance.

Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Dr Allen Onyema, hailed the development as the culmination of nearly a decade of resilience. “My joy knows no bounds. 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, Hon Festus Keyamo. In less than one year, they made this possible,” he said.

Onyema emphasised the facility’s economic importance, noting that Nigerian airlines spent over $180 billion on overseas maintenance last year. “This MRO will serve not only Air Peace but also other local and international carriers. Within 24 months, foreign airlines from Africa, Europe, and the Americas will be bringing their aircraft here,” he added.

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According to contractors Morgan Omonitan & Abe, the MRO will include a 6,200 sqm hangar, 2,000 sqm warehouse, 2,600 sqm workshop, 1,500 sqm office block, and a 10,000 sqm apron. It will also feature supporting infrastructure such as a car park, equipment shade, and landscaped grounds, spanning an additional 9,700 sqm.

Backed by technical support from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, the project is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, train a new generation of aviation professionals, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Speaking at the event, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the project as a “national treasure,” noting that the MRO would save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange, attract foreign airlines, and restore confidence in the aviation sector. He also confirmed that the Presidential Fleet would patronise the facility.

With the capacity to house a Boeing 777 alongside five additional aircraft, the Lagos MRO will surpass existing facilities in South Africa and Ethiopia, solidifying Nigeria’s status as a key player in global aviation.

Onyema concluded: “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.”