• Launches SAF studies to position Nigeria in African aviation fuel market
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Monday in Abuja, inaugurated a seven-man high-level Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) steering committee to decarbonise its aviation sector.
The government, to this end, received key technical studies aimed at driving the development of SAF in Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, speaking during the presentation of the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Feasibility Study, and the launch of the ICAO-supported Sustainable Aviation Fuel Business Implementation Study hinted that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) represents one of the most practical and impactful pathways towards achieving this objective.
Keyamo stated that SAF offers an opportunity not only to decarbonise aviation but also to stimulate investment, create new industries, generate employment, strengthen energy security, and unlock enormous value across Nigeria’s agricultural, energy, and industrial sectors.
According to him, “Today we gather not only to inaugurate the Nigerian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Steering Committee, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to positioning Nigeria for growth, regional integration, trade, tourism, and national development.
“This landmark event marks another significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards building a resilient, competitive, and environmentally sustainable aviation sector.
“However, as global efforts to address climate change intensify, aviation must also contribute meaningfully towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing air connectivity that supports the growth of our national economy.”
Keyamo, asserted that Nigeria possesses abundant potential feedstock resources, stating: “As the largest producer of cassava in the world, with a vibrant agricultural economy that generates vast quantities of agricultural and industrial residues, growing human and technical capacity, expanding domestic processing capability, and a strategic geographic location, our country is well positioned to become a major producer and supplier of sustainable aviation fuel for Africa and beyond.
“The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Feasibility Study, which will be formally handed over today, represents an important body of knowledge. It provides Nigeria with a sound technical assessment of our opportunities, challenges, and comparative advantages, and serves as a solid foundation upon which we can build our national implementation programme.”
Continuing, Keyamo said the transition to sustainable aviation fuel is not the responsibility of one ministry or one institution alone.
“It requires coordinated and cross-cutting action from government, industry, academia, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector,” he said.
He added: “One of the most important outcomes of today’s event is the formal inauguration of the Nigeria Sustainable Aviation Fuel Steering Committee.
“This committee will serve as a national governance platform responsible for providing strategic direction, coordinating implementation, promoting collaboration among stakeholders, and overseeing the delivery of Nigeria’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Implementation Programme.
“I therefore call upon every member of this committee to approach this assignment with dedication, innovation, and a shared sense of national purpose.
“Our work must translate policy into action, research into investment, and opportunities into measurable national development. Equally important is the Commercial Business Management Study, which will provide detailed commercial and investment analysis needed to support bankable projects and attract both domestic and international investors into Nigeria’s sustainable aviation fuel value chain.
“This is precisely the type of partnership and evidence-based planning that will accelerate implementation while ensuring sustainability and long-term success.
“Let me therefore assure our partners and prospective investors that this government understands its role in providing policy direction, regulatory clarity, incentives, assurances, and other enabling frameworks needed to support this initiative.
“The committee membership comprises the following important dignitaries and agencies: The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); The Director General of the National Climate Change Council; The Managing Director of NNPC Energy Limited. This is the composition of this important National Steering Committee. I congratulate all members of the committee and wish you success in the discharge of this important national assignment.”
