The federal government has announced plans to establish a comprehensive roadmap and targets for cleaner energy adoption in the nation’s aviation industry.
This initiative, unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, aims to promote the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), and other environmentally friendly energy sources.
Speaking at the 2nd consultative stakeholder engagement on cleaner fuels in Abuja, Keyamo highlighted the government’s commitment to working with key stakeholders and international partners to accelerate the shift toward sustainable aviation practices.
Represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, the minister emphasized that technical analyses have identified SAF as having the highest potential to significantly reduce emissions in the aviation sector.
In partnership with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the designated national authority on climate-related issues, the NCAA will coordinate efforts to address the impact of climate change on Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The minister noted that these collaborations will be essential in aligning Nigeria’s aviation practices with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) resolutions on global cleaner energy standards in aviation.
Keyamo also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s capacity to produce SAF at scale, citing the country’s vast resources and potential for sustainable production.
He encouraged stakeholders to leverage this opportunity to engage with industry experts and EASA representatives in charting a viable path for cleaner fuel adoption.
“The availability of cleaner fuels is a promising avenue for Nigeria,” he added. “We have the resources to become a key player in sustainable aviation fuel production. This engagement with experts and stakeholders is a vital step toward realizing that potential, fostering sustainable partnerships, and securing a future of cleaner energy in Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
“I wish to use this opportunity to reaffirm that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has placed aviation at the center of its National Economic Development and is committed to the global agenda of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
“Our nation recognizes the potential of SAF, LCAF, and cleaner energy alternatives to not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and build a resilient energy sector” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe said, ” This the second meeting and more meetings will come because the government is showing that Nigeria wants to decarbonise her aviation sector and that is why there is a conversationSustainable Aviation Fuel and low carbon aviation fuel and other cleaner fuels as well.
“The only way we will know what we need to do is through engagement with stakeholders and that is why this meeting is important”.