FG launches jet fuel depot with 150 million-litre capacity

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially launched the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), which features a storage capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.

The JUHI facility is the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, with the ability to supply a minimum of 150 million litres of aviation fuel to airlines each month, representing 20 per cent of the nation’s annual sales volume.

The depot was developed through a partnership among several companies, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.

During the commissioning ceremony at the JUHI-2 premises in Ikeja, Lagos, Keyamo praised the project for enhancing Nigeria’s global recognition.

Keyamo noted that the facility would help mitigate issues related to flight delays and cancellations, often caused by Jet A1 fuel shortages. He stressed its strategic location near local and international airports, which aligns with international requirements.

“This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria. We normally experience a lot of flight cancellations, and flight delays and in some cases, it is attributed to lack of Jet A1 fuel,” he said. “It is also an international requirement. 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.

“It is also a requirement for hajj operations. Before any airport is approved for hajj operations, they ensure that such facilities are very close to the airport. 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.”

Disclosing the recent feats in the aviation sector, the minister said Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, having scaled 75.5 per cent in aircraft financing from 70.5 per cent.

He cited the global standards for aviation facilities, including those necessary for hajj operations, underscoring the significance of JUHI-2 in supporting Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

Keyamo also shared recent advancements in the aviation sector, including Nigeria’s removal from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, which has improved access to aircraft financing.

Patience Dappa, Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, discussed the facility’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and ensuring a reliable jet fuel supply chain. She said that JUHI-2 is equipped with advanced filtration systems and can simultaneously load four fuel trucks, significantly enhancing refuelling efficiency and reducing delays for airlines.

Dappa said that the facility would not only bolster aviation infrastructure but also create numerous employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in related sectors. She stated that JUHI-2 aims to provide world-class fuel service and maximize operational efficiency for various aviation stakeholders.

She said: “Beyond its operational significance, JUHI-2 will generate numerous benefits for Nigeria. It will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to a reduction in unemployment within the region. It will also stimulate economic growth by boosting related industries such as transportation, logistics, and maintenance services. This facility will play a pivotal role in the development of the airport area and its surrounding communities.”

Abiola Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, boted the depot’s cutting-edge technology, which ensures operational efficiency, allowing for quick truck deliveries and high-volume fuel handling.

The facility is equipped with an on-site laboratory and modern filtration systems to maintain high fuel quality standards. Bridget Gold, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, noted that the depot would significantly support aviation operations and contribute to national economic growth.