Nigeria’s aviation industry has received a significant boost as the country’s global aviation rating has risen to 75.5 percent, a remarkable improvement from its previous status. This development, which marks Nigeria’s removal from the global aviation blacklist, was announced by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during the commissioning of the Juhi-2 Aviation Fuel Depot at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday.
The rise in rating follows the Federal Government’s signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction last month, which propelled Nigeria’s aviation sector from 49 percent to 70.5 percent. The new rating, further strengthened to 75.5 percent, restores Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation community, allowing airlines operating in the country to now access dry lease aircraft, a critical factor for fleet expansion and modernization.
“This is a milestone for Nigeria. With this new status, we expect to see more aircraft operating in our skies soon. The aviation sector is on the cusp of growth, and we are ensuring that we have the capacity to support this,” Keyamo stated, hinting at the need for Juhi-2 Aviation Fuel Depot to expand its capacity to accommodate the anticipated increase in aircraft activity in the country.
At the commissioning, Patience Dappa, Chairman of Juhi-2 Limited, emphasized the strategic importance of the depot. “The commissioning of the JUHI-2 depot is more than the completion of an infrastructure project. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management,” she said.
Dappa highlighted that JUHI-2, the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, spans 46,000 square meters and has a storage capacity of 15 million liters of Jet A1 fuel. It is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and advanced fire prevention measures. This facility, she noted, is critical in providing a steady, reliable supply of jet fuel to major airports such as MMIA, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.
“JUHI-2 is not just about size; it represents operational excellence, safety, and reliability. It is a strategic asset that will enhance Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and lay the foundation for the sector’s continued growth,” Dappa added.
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, echoed this sentiment, noting that the new fuel depot would play a pivotal role in supporting Nigeria’s aviation operations. “This facility will improve service delivery, reduce downtime, and bolster national economic growth. It is a vital piece of infrastructure for airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, and other aviation stakeholders,” she said.
With Nigeria’s upgraded aviation status and the commissioning of cutting-edge infrastructure like JUHI-2, the country’s aviation sector is poised for substantial growth, enhancing both local and international airline operations. The renewed confidence in Nigeria’s aviation capabilities is expected to attract increased investments and partnerships in the sector, further cementing its role as a critical driver of the national economy.
