The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Engineers and technicians for their remarkable achievement in reactivating a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years. She described the milestone as a testament to the professionalism, ingenuity, and dedication of Nigerian Engineers.
In her congratulatory message, the NSE President lauded the NAF 431 Engineering Group for their display of technical expertise and resilience, emphasizing the transformative power of indigenous innovation in addressing complex challenges. “This outstanding achievement underscores the exceptional capabilities of Nigerian Engineers and their ability to restore critical assets to operational status,” She stated.
According to NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F. Akinboyewa, the aircraft, originally grounded in 2001, was restored between June and September 2024 by a team of 5 Engineering officers and 40 technicians using advanced Engineering techniques under stringent aviation standards. The reactivation process aligns with NAF’s strategy to enhance operational readiness and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and previously used by the defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, has been redesignated as “NAF-039.” This achievement builds on earlier Engineering milestones by the NAF, such as the in-country 4,800-hour inspection of another DO-228 aircraft earlier in 2024, highlighting a growing capacity for advanced in-house maintenance.
The NSE President called for continued investment in Engineering capacity building, noting that successes like this demonstrate the vital role Engineers play in safeguarding national assets and achieving self-reliance. The NSE President concluded by congratulating the NAF for their commitment to innovation and operational excellence, which continues to inspire Engineers across Nigeria.
