Nigeria Inaugurates Seven-Man Committee to Drive Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development
Nigeria has taken a major step towards decarbonising its aviation sector with the inauguration of a seven-member National High-Level Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Steering Committee and the launch of key studies aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to greener aviation.
The initiative, unveiled on Monday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, is expected to position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable aviation agenda by laying the foundation for the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
The high-level event, organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union (EU), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), also featured the presentation of the National SAF Feasibility Study and the launch of the ICAO-supported SAF Business Implementation Study.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the initiative as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s efforts to build a resilient, competitive and environmentally sustainable aviation industry.
Represented by the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Tijani, Keyamo said the newly inaugurated steering committee would serve as the country’s national governance platform for Sustainable Aviation Fuel development.
He explained that the committee would provide strategic direction, coordinate implementation efforts, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and oversee the delivery of Nigeria’s SAF Implementation Programme.
According to the minister, the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel presents Nigeria with a unique opportunity to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation industry while creating significant economic benefits.
He noted that the programme would attract investment, generate employment opportunities, enhance the nation’s energy security and unlock value across Nigeria’s agriculture, energy and industrial sectors.
Keyamo urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with dedication, innovation and a strong sense of national responsibility to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s aviation sustainability journey, saying the country was now moving beyond policy discussions into practical implementation.
He explained that the National SAF Feasibility Study was developed under ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Programme with financial support from the European Union and technical assistance from EASA.
According to Najomo, the study provides an evidence-based roadmap for converting Nigeria’s abundant feedstock resources into commercially viable Sustainable Aviation Fuel production.
He reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to coordinating all relevant stakeholders and driving the implementation of the initiative in its capacity as the secretariat of the National High-Level Sustainable Aviation Fuel Steering Committee.
Najomo stressed that collaboration among government agencies, industry players and development partners would be critical to the successful implementation of the programme and the achievement of Nigeria’s environmental and aviation sustainability objectives.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s international development partners, particularly the European Union, EASA and ICAO, for their continued technical and financial support towards advancing sustainable aviation in the country.
The launch of the SAF programme marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to align its aviation sector with global environmental standards and international commitments on climate change, while positioning the country as a potential hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production and green aviation development in Africa.
