Nigeria’s aviation sector has received a significant boost as the country has been officially removed from the global aviation watchlist, with its global aviation rating increasing to 75.5 percent. This was disclosed by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during the commissioning of the JUHI-2 aviation fuel depot at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday.
The minister noted that this new status allows Nigerian airlines to access dry lease aircraft, which had been previously restricted. The improvement in Nigeria’s aviation rating follows the Federal Government’s recent signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which raised the country’s standing from 49 percent to 70.5 percent in global aviation rankings last month.
“With this new development, we can expect to see more aircraft in Nigeria’s airspace soon,” Keyamo stated, adding that the JUHI-2 aviation fuel depot may need to expand its capacity to accommodate the anticipated influx of new aircraft.
The JUHI-2 facility, which spans 46,000 square meters and has a storage capacity of 15 million liters of Jet A1 fuel, is now the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria. Patience Dappa, Chairman of JUHI 2 Limited, emphasized that the commissioning marks more than just the completion of an infrastructural project; it demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management.
“This facility represents operational excellence, safety, and reliability. It is equipped with state-of-the-art systems for jet fuel discharge, filtration, and fire prevention, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of jet fuel to MMIA and surrounding airbases,” Dappa said. She also noted that the establishment of JUHI-2 is a strategic move that will support the continued growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The rise in Nigeria’s aviation rating and the commissioning of JUHI-2 are seen as critical steps toward enhancing the country’s aviation infrastructure and positioning it as a key player in the global aviation market.
