FG targets roadmap on adaptation of cleaner aviation fuel

The Federal Government has disclosed plans to develop a roadmap for the adaptation of cleaner energy in the aviation industry.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo disclosed this on Monday at the 2nd consultative stakeholders’ engagement on the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), and other cleaner fuels in Abuja.

He pointed out that several technical analyses have revealed that sustainable aviation Fuel has the greatest potential to reduce emissions from International Aviation.

The Minister stated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will be partnering the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) which is the National Designated Authority and official Focal Point to address the impacts of climate change in Nigeria.

The Director-General, the Civil Aviation Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo who represented the Minister at the stakeholders’ engagement disclosed that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will assist Nigeria to fast track the development and deployment of SAF/LCAF and other cleaner energy alternatives for the aviation industry.

According to him, this will be achieved through the conduction of a SAF Feasibility Study, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the support to build sustainable partnerships between potential feedstock producers, processors, researchers, technology developers, financiers, and end users.

On the availability of cleaner fuels in Nigeria, the minister said: “it is pertinent to state here that Nigeria is blessed with enormous potentials of developing SAF in large quantities and on a sustainable basis thus, as key players and decision-makers, the country will use the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with experts from within the industry and EASA to help chart a clear path for the development and deployment of SAF and LCAF and other cleaner fuels in our nation.”

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He however stated that the Federal Government has placed aviation at the center of its National Economic Development and is committed to the global agenda of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

“Our nation recognizes the potential of SAF, LCAF, and cleaner energy alternatives to not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and build a resilient energy sector,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, pointed out that the transport sector is one of the highest emitters of carbon in the country and if the aviation sector is able to get it right it will be easy to will get it right in our indices.

The DG pointed out that decisions cannot be taken without the stakeholders, hence, the need to called them to understand what SAF is about .