In a significant move toward reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector, the Nigerian government has intensified efforts to develop and implement Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), and other eco-friendly fuel alternatives. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make aviation in Nigeria more sustainable and align with global climate objectives.
At the second consultative stakeholders’ meeting held to discuss the development and deployment of SAF, LCAF, and other cleaner fuel options, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo emphasized the transformative potential of SAF for lowering carbon emissions from international aviation. Represented by the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, Keyamo explained that technical analyses indicate SAF as a key driver for emission reductions in the aviation industry.
“We are forging a strategic partnership that will not only benefit Nigeria’s aviation sector but also contribute to global efforts in reducing the carbon footprint of air travel,” Najomo said. He highlighted that international collaborations are instrumental in these initiatives, citing the European Union’s (EU) partnership, particularly with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which will help propel cleaner energy technologies in Nigerian aviation.
In line with the meeting’s objectives, Keyamo acknowledged the valuable collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), which oversees climate-related policies in Nigeria. The NCAA’s cooperation with the NCCC underscores a united national commitment to tackling climate change and aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global framework for promoting aviation sector sustainability.
“This meeting is born out of Nigeria’s desire to develop a roadmap and set tangible goals for adopting cleaner energy in aviation,” he said, aligning the initiative with ICAO’s fifth strategic objective: minimizing the environmental impact of civil aviation. Keyamo noted that Nigeria’s push toward SAF and LCAF adoption is crucial to maintaining the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines across the African continent.
The gathering also aimed to foster coordination and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including government bodies, industry representatives, civil society groups, academics, and international partners. A key agenda was raising public awareness on the benefits and opportunities of transitioning to cleaner energy sources in aviation, as well as acknowledging the potential challenges of delayed action.
“This collaboration is essential to the effective development and deployment of clean aviation energies in Nigeria,” Keyamo added. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Nigeria remains at the forefront of aviation environmental protection, alongside its international peers.
One of the primary international supporters of this effort, EASA, is working alongside Nigerian authorities to expedite the feasibility study for SAF and LCAF and provide technical support, capacity building, and knowledge exchange opportunities. Through EASA’s backing, Nigeria hopes to establish enduring partnerships between feedstock producers, processors, researchers, technology developers, financiers, and end users in the aviation and energy sectors.
In discussing Nigeria’s potential to produce SAF on a large and sustainable scale, Keyamo remarked on the nation’s wealth of resources suitable for SAF production. He encouraged stakeholders to leverage this opportunity for detailed discussions with industry experts and EASA representatives to map out a clear, actionable path toward SAF and LCAF development in Nigeria.
The minister reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritizes the aviation sector as a central pillar in its economic strategy, committing to both global climate action and cleaner energy adoption. “Our nation recognizes that SAF, LCAF, and cleaner energy alternatives offer a pathway not only to reduced emissions but also to economic growth, job creation, and a robust energy sector,” Keyamo said.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, reiterated the government’s commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector and ensuring the sector contributes to Nigeria’s climate goals. Although this was only the second meeting of its kind, Maduekwe assured that further engagements would follow, underlining the government’s dedication to sustainable aviation fuel and cleaner alternatives.
“Aviation is among the top carbon-emitting sectors. If we achieve progress here, it will reflect in our broader environmental indicators,” Maduekwe explained. He stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders to ensure they understand the concept of SAF and explore the business opportunities and incentives associated with it. Maduekwe highlighted that partnerships with the EU and EASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, which promotes global partnerships for sustainable development.
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