Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has unveiled plans to commence the construction of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos this September, in partnership with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer. The project, expected to be completed within 12 to 15 months, is set to transform Nigeria’s aviation industry by reducing dependence on foreign maintenance services and positioning the country as a regional hub for aircraft repairs.
The airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, announced the development on Wednesday upon returning from Brazil, where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu on an official state visit. The trip saw both nations sign a direct air service agreement and deepen bilateral cooperation. According to Onyema, the new facility will provide maintenance solutions for Embraer aircraft locally, saving time and costs for airlines.
“We are increasing our partnership with Embraer. By September 17, we will inaugurate the commencement of construction of our new MRO, and Embraer will operate maintenance for Embraer jets. By God’s grace, we will lay that foundation here in Lagos,” Onyema said.
The MRO project will end the practice of sending Embraer jets abroad for servicing, a move that has long burdened Nigerian airlines with heavy expenses. Onyema noted that beyond serving Air Peace’s growing Embraer fleet, the facility will attract regional operators to Nigeria for similar services, enhancing the nation’s standing in global aviation. “You will now be able to do it here, and people will also come to Nigeria to do the same,” he added.
The announcement comes shortly after Air Peace secured approval to operate direct flights on the Nigeria-Brazil route. Onyema stressed that the endorsement was not solely linked to Air Peace’s investment in Embraer but reflected the airline’s proven capacity, operational readiness, and record among domestic carriers. The Brazil route is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025.
The expansion is also being framed as a tool for strengthening Nigeria-Brazil ties. Onyema expressed admiration for the approach taken by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during bilateral talks, describing it as collaborative and respectful. “In Brazil, they signed several MoUs, but what really impressed me was their partnership approach one that respects our sovereignty and is mutually beneficial. President Lula’s warmth showed a genuine eagerness to work with Nigeria,” Onyema remarked.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, praised President Tinubu’s leadership in cementing the deal. He underscored the economic significance of bridging Africa’s largest economy with South America’s largest, particularly at a time when trade between the two nations has dropped sharply.
“Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, and Nigeria is considered the biggest in Africa. So connecting these two economies was very key to both presidents,” Keyamo said. He lamented that bilateral trade had plummeted from $10 billion to $2 billion in the past decade, stressing that the new direct air connection would be instrumental in reversing that trend.
With the MRO project and the upcoming Brazil route, Air Peace is positioning itself not only as a leading African airline but also as a bridge-builder in global aviation partnerships, while reshaping Nigeria’s role in international air travel.
