By Justina Uzo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, inaugurated the Joint User Hydrant Installation (JUHI-2), the single largest Jet A1 depot in the country.
The facility situated at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, can store 15 million litres of JET AI fuel.
Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Keyamo described the project as ‘massive’ in terms of support to the aviation sector.
Keyamo said: “It is a project that has never been undertaken before in this country, and we continue to encourage such collaboration. Coming together has aided this type of massive infrastructure, and it is something we commend to other people to follow.”
He said said, “It is like what you saw in the banking sector many years ago, when banks had to consolidate, and then what we have today are the big banks. This is exactly what is happening here. Instead, we have pockets of oil companies trying to develop their own little oil tanks here and there.”
Seven major oil companies came together to set up the project.
The operation of the newly inaugurated fuel depot belonging to Eternal PLC, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil, and Quest Oil Group as well as Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil Limited and First DeepWater Discovery Ltd, was a bit delayed. Today, the consortium partners were celebrated.
Mr. Sam Okpanku, General Manager, JUHI-2, Otunba Babalola of Deep Water and a guest at the commissioning of JUHI-2 Aviation Fuel Depot in Lagos, recently.
Chairman, Juhi 2 Limited Patience Dappa said “it is a strategic asset, designed to provide a steady, reliable supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.
She noted that the JUHI-2 depot was not just the conclusion of an infrastructure project but testament to the company’s shared belief in excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management.
“As the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, this facility spans 46,000 square meters and boasts an impressive storage capacity of 15 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.”
For her, JUHI-2 is not just about size. “It represents operational excellence, safety, and reliability. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and cutting-edge fire prevention measures.”
Dappa also stressed that in building JUHI-2, they were not only enhancing infrastructure but also laying the foundation for Nigeria’s continued growth in aviation.
She said the facility would serve airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, and other aviation stakeholders, ensuring world-class fuel service, minimizing downtime, and maximizing operational efficiency.
“JUHI-2 also represents a leap in efficiency for Nigeria’s aviation sector. Its design ensures rapid response times and faster refuelling processes, reducing delays and improving overall flight scheduling.
“This will enhance the competitiveness of our airports and airlines, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in aviation,” she also stated.
Managing Director, Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku said the depot will play a crucial role in supporting operations, improving service delivery, and bolstering national economic growth.
On his expectation from JUHI-2, Keyamo said quality control should be priority and international standards upheld.
“They have to, first of all, be honest about their operations. They should keep to international standards and quality in the industry to ensure and enhance safety in the industry. Apart from that, this is also very massive for employment.
“And for Nigerians who are looking for employment, it will take a lot of people off the streets. These are the things I expect from them, and then once in a while, we will put an eye on this place and encourage them as to what they are doing,” he added.
Dappa maintained that the JUHI-2 facility would strengthen the nation’s energy security, among other benefits.
“It provides a reliable and robust jet fuel supply chain, which not only supports the aviation industry but also bolsters Nigeria’s standing as a strategic aviation hub in West Africa.”
She also said the facility’s capacity and efficiency would attract more international airlines, foster trade, and improve connectivity, making Nigeria a key player in global aviation logistics.
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