Nigeria’s aviation rating rises to 75.5 per cent

By Justina Okpanku

Nigeria will be seeing more aircraft having received reviewed aviation rating from 49 to 75.5 percent in recent times.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo said more aircraft would come into the country as Nigeria had been removed from watchlist globally.

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“The global aviation rating has again risen to 75.5 per cent. It will lead to competitive prices. More aircraft will come into the country.

“We are encouraging the private sector. We should provide the framework in place to allow the private sector to thrive,” he said.

The minister disclosed this during the inauguration of Joint User Hydrant Installation (JUHI-2) aviation fuel depot on Thursday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos.

This means that Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist and airlines can now access dry lease aircraft.

Just last month, after the signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction by the Federal Government, the rating shot up the country’s image from 49 per cent to 70.5 per cent by the global aviation sector.

Keyamo gave an assurance that soon there would be more aircraft in Nigeria, and Juhi-2 aviation fuel might need to increase its capacity to cater to the traffic.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Juhi – 2 Limited, Patience Dappa, who spoke during the inauguration said the inauguration of the JUHI-2 depot was not just the conclusion of an infrastructure project but a testament to the company’s shared belief in excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management.

She said: “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.

“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.”

According to her, 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, situated at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, is the single largest Jet A1 depot in the country.

The facility can store 15 million litres of JET A1 fuel.