Nigeria has intensified efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry with the inauguration of the National High-Level Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Steering Committee, alongside the unveiling of two major studies aimed at accelerating Sustainable Aviation Fuel production across the country.

The initiatives include the presentation of the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Feasibility Study and the launch of the ICAO-supported Sustainable Aviation Fuel Business Implementation Study. Together, they are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel production hub in Africa.

The event was held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and was organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union (EU), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at the inauguration, the Director of Air Transport Management, Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the country’s drive to establish a resilient, competitive, and environmentally sustainable aviation industry.

“While aviation remains a key driver of economic growth, trade, and tourism, it must also contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

According to the minister’s representative, Sustainable Aviation Fuel offers Nigeria an opportunity not only to decarbonise the aviation sector but also to attract investment, generate employment, improve energy security, and create value across the nation’s agricultural and industrial value chains.

He further stated that Nigeria is well-positioned to become one of Africa’s leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel producers, citing the country’s abundant feedstock resources, high cassava production, expanding refining capacity, technical expertise, and strategic geographical location.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of ICAO, the European Union, EASA, and the NCAA in advancing the initiative. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the industry through favourable policies, an enabling regulatory framework, and investment incentives.

“The Steering Committee would provide strategic direction, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and oversee the implementation of the national Sustainable Aviation Fuel programme, while the ICAO-supported Business Implementation Study would identify commercially viable investment opportunities,” he explained.

Delivering his welcome address, Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the gathering as a major turning point in Nigeria’s aviation sustainability agenda, saying it marks the country’s transition from planning to implementation.

“The feasibility study, developed under ICAO’s ACT-SAF Programme with support from the European Union and EASA, provides an evidence-based roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s abundant feedstock resources into commercially viable Sustainable Aviation Fuel production,” he noted.

Capt. Najomo reiterated the NCAA’s commitment to coordinating relevant stakeholders and ensuring the successful implementation of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel programme.

Participants at the event stressed the importance of continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, investors, and industry stakeholders to establish a viable Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem in Nigeria.

They expressed confidence that the inauguration of the Steering Committee and the launch of the Business Implementation Study would help accelerate investment, support economic diversification, strengthen energy security, create employment opportunities, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel production.

Source: Voice of Nigeria (VON)