The Federal Government has unveiled a massive jet fuel depot with a storage capacity of 150 million litres, designed to address aviation fuel shortages and improve flight operations across the country.
The facility, known as the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), is located in Ikeja, Lagos, and was inaugurated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. It is the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, capable of supplying 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel monthly to airlines. This represents about 20% of the nation’s annual aviation fuel needs.
The aviation industry in Nigeria has long been plagued by fuel shortages, leading to flight delays and cancellations. These disruptions have caused significant inconvenience for travelers and financial losses for airlines. The JUHI-2 project is seen as a game-changer in addressing this critical issue.
At the commissioning ceremony, Keyamo praised the new facility, highlighting its importance in improving Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and enhancing the country’s global standing in the aviation sector.
“This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria,” Keyamo said. “We normally experience a lot of flight cancellations and delays, and in some cases, it is attributed to a lack of Jet A1 fuel.”
Keyamo noted that JUHI-2 will help reduce these disruptions by ensuring a steady and reliable supply of aviation fuel to airlines. “This will go a long way in reducing flight delays and cancellations due to fuel shortages, and that is a significant achievement for the industry,” he added.
The JUHI-2 facility is a joint venture by several major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited. These companies have come together to make a substantial investment in the country’s aviation sector, recognizing the importance of reliable fuel supplies for the smooth operation of airlines.
The depot’s capacity of 150 million litres is a significant improvement for the country’s aviation industry. With the ability to deliver 150 million litres of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) monthly, the facility will help Nigeria meet a large portion of its aviation fuel demand, ensuring that airlines have the fuel they need to operate efficiently.
Keyamo emphasized that the establishment of JUHI-2 is in line with international aviation requirements. He explained that major airports around the world are expected to have facilities like this one nearby to ensure that airlines have easy access to fuel. This not only helps prevent fuel shortages but also ensures that airports meet global safety and operational standards.
“You have just made us globally relevant because it requires that this kind of facility should not be far away from all major airports in the world,” Keyamo said. “In so many ways, this is a global requirement, and I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for this massive infrastructural investment to support the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.”
The minister also pointed out the importance of the facility for hajj operations. Before an airport can be approved for hajj flights, there must be a reliable fuel depot nearby. With JUHI-2 in place, Nigeria’s major airports will now be better equipped to handle the demands of hajj operations, further strengthening the country’s position as a key player in international air travel.
In addition to the unveiling of the JUHI-2 facility, Keyamo announced another positive development for Nigeria’s aviation sector. He revealed that Nigeria has been removed from the global watchlist of non-compliant countries in terms of aircraft financing. This comes after the country’s score in aircraft financing improved from 70.5% to 75.5%, thanks to reforms implemented by the government.
This improvement allows Nigerian airlines to access aircraft on dry leases from international markets, giving them more flexibility and access to modern aircraft. Dry leases, which involve leasing aircraft without crew, maintenance, or insurance, are a common way for airlines to expand their fleets without the upfront costs of purchasing new planes.
“This is a significant achievement for Nigeria, and it shows that we are making progress in improving our aviation sector,” Keyamo said. “Nigerian airlines can now access more aircraft globally, and that will help them expand their operations and offer better services to travellers.”
