FAAN Rallies Stakeholders to Reduce Carbon Emissions at Nigerian Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing carbon emissions at Nigerian airports, particularly at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This was the focus of a Stakeholder Engagement on Carbon Emission Management held on Wednesday, bringing together key players in the aviation sector, including airline operators, fuel suppliers, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).

Speaking during the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, warned of dire consequences for the aviation industry if collaborative efforts to reduce carbon emissions are not prioritised.

Represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mr Henry Agbebire, she stressed that the industry is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, particularly bad weather.

“This could be imagined through a scenario where the global airspace is inaccessible by aircraft for a few days due to bad weather,” she said. “Such disruptions come with severe economic and social impacts. Without concerted efforts to manage carbon emissions, the aviation industry could face extinction.”

Mrs Kuku outlined that airports contribute about 5% of the aviation industry’s total global carbon dioxide emissions, and FAAN has taken significant steps to address this.

Through the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, FAAN has been working to map, report, reduce, and manage emissions at MMIA.

The airport earned ACA certification in 2020 for its efforts in mapping and reporting emissions, with over 80% of emissions attributed to electricity consumption.

Mrs Kuku emphasised that FAAN has developed a robust Carbon Management Plan (CMP) for MMIA.

“The measures included in our CMP are ambitious and capital-intensive, but they have earned the airport full accreditation for emissions reduction,” she said. “Our journey towards higher levels of accreditation continues, and we seek greater collaboration from stakeholders to compute Scope 3 emissions as part of our decarbonisation efforts.”

The guest speaker, Tony Ukachukwu, CEO of Aviators Africa, highlighted the challenges posed by carbon emissions to the sustainability of the aviation industry.

He noted that the air transport sector contributes approximately 1.4% to Nigeria’s GDP, with over 20 million passengers passing through Nigerian airports annually.

However, he stressed the need for stakeholders to work together to reduce emissions, citing benefits such as improved environmental outcomes, increased innovation, and enhanced reputations.

“As Africa’s largest economy and a pivotal hub for West African aviation, Nigeria faces a unique challenge in balancing growing air transportation needs with sustainable environmental practices,” Ukachukwu said. “The journey towards sustainable aviation begins with a unified effort.”

Representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) echoed these sentiments, presenting their own strategies for reducing emissions.

NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr Umar Farouk, represented by his technical adviser, Jibrin Haske, outlined the agency’s initiatives, including the implementation of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) RNAV approaches at all Nigerian airports since 2015, which optimises flight paths to reduce fuel consumption.

Other innovations include RNAV 10 routes and the Free Route Airspace (FRA), both designed to minimise fuel burn and emissions.

Farouk noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems would play a crucial role in enhancing sustainability.

“These innovations will reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” he said.

Engr Daniel Lawrence, representing the Acting Rector of NCAT, commended FAAN’s leadership in addressing carbon emissions.

He stressed the importance of training aviation professionals in sustainable practices and adopting green technologies. “Together, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener world while ensuring safe, efficient air travel for generations to come,” Lawrence stated.

The engagement concluded with a collective commitment to intensify collaboration across the aviation sector.

FAAN assured stakeholders of continued support and follow-up, reinforcing the need for shared responsibility in achieving carbon neutrality.

This initiative aligns with the global environmental campaign for NetZero carbon emissions championed by ICAO, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation industry.