The minister of aviation and aerospace development, Mr Festus Keyamo and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said aviation fuel sits at the heart of airline operations and pledged to support policies and partnerships that will strengthen that vital segment of the aviation ecosystem.
They made the commitment yesterday at a colloquium held in Lagos under the theme ‘Aviation fuel business in Nigeria: The scenario and the metaphor’ and put together by CITA Energies in conjunction with the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).
In his speech, Keyamo said the theme of the colloquium “is not just clever; it’s timely and thought-provoking, touching on one of the most critical determinants of efficiency, affordability and sustainability in our aviation ecosystem.’’
He said aviation fuel does not only represent a key cost driver for airlines but also a strategic index of national logistics and economic vitality.
“The “scenario” reminds us of the present realities: fluctuating prices, supply vulnerabilities and infrastructural challenges; while the “metaphor” calls us to look beyond the surface: to envision a new energy paradigm that supports growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said.
He added: “As a ministry, we remain committed to policies and partnerships that will ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of aviation fuel. We are equally focused on promoting dialogue between government, oil marketers, and airline operators to create a fair and transparent fuel supply chain that supports both economic sustainability and operational excellence.”
He further said the conversation “is more than an analysis of challenges; it’s an opportunity to shape solutions” and encouraged the participants to speak freely, think boldly, and help chart a course that will make Nigerian aviation stronger and more sustainable.
“This forum provides not only an opportunity to interrogate issues but also to inspire collective action,” while believing that the event would “ignite new ideas, strengthen collaborations, and chart a forward-looking path that ensures Nigeria’s aviation industry remains resilient, competitive, and globally aligned.”
For her part, the managing director and chief executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, commended the organizers of the colloquium “at a time when the aviation fuel business has become both a national concern and an opportunity for innovation.
As airports expand across the country, she said FAAN recognises the strategic role of oil marketers in ensuring a safe, reliable and sustainable fuel supply chain.
“We are therefore committed to supporting policies and partnerships that will strengthen this vital segment of the aviation ecosystem.
She said FAAN’s contribution to enhancing the aviation fuel sector will focus on some key areas.
“First, we will work with regulators to streamline and accredit fuel marketers, ensuring that only competent and compliant players operate at our airports. This will promote transparency and a level playing field for all.
“Second, we are encouraging collaboration among marketers — to move from competition for volume to cooperation for quality and sustainability. The market should be guided by shared standards, not fragmented rivalry.
“Third, FAAN is open to supporting the establishment of additional JUHI facilities beyond Lagos and Abuja. More fuel farms across our airports will ease logistics, reduce costs, and enhance nationwide connectivity.
“Fourth, we will remain steadfast in ensuring that fuel quality and safety are never compromised. Our Quality Assurance framework will continue to uphold global standards in fuel storage, handling, and delivery.
“Finally, FAAN will continue to provide enabling infrastructure — from efficient airside access to modern storage facilities — while also encouraging innovation, including early exploration of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in partnership with forward-thinking marketers.
In essence, Kuku said “FAAN stands ready to be an enabler, facilitator and partner in ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation fuel ecosystem becomes stronger, cleaner and more resilient.”
