The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel depot.
The Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), holding a capacity of 150 million liters of Jet A1 fuel, is the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria.
The facility is capable of delivering 150 million litres of ATK (Aviation Turbine Kerosene) supplies monthly to airlines, representing 20% of the nation’s annual sales volume. It is a joint venture by companies including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the JUHI-2 premises in Ikeja, Lagos, Keyamo commended the project, noting its significance for Nigeria’s global relevance and aviation industry. He pointed out that the facility would help mitigate the frequent flight delays and cancellations often caused by the shortage of Jet A1 fuel.
“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 a lack of Jet A1 fuel,” Keyamo said.
He emphasized the importance of the depot’s location, noting that its proximity to both local and international airports aligns with international standards. “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.”
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The minister also highlighted how JUHI-2’s positioning would support 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.”
Keyamo also shared updates on Nigeria’s achievements in the aviation sector, stating that the country had been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, having improved aircraft financing compliance from 70.5% to 75.5%. He added that Nigerian airlines could now access aircraft on dry leases globally.
In her remarks, Patience Dappa, Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, explained how the facility would bolster Nigeria’s energy security and provide a consistent and efficient jet fuel supply chain.
“This facility will strengthen the nation’s energy security and provide a reliable and robust jet fuel supply chain,” Dappa stated. She added that it would “reduce delays and improve overall flight scheduling,” ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian airports and airlines.
Dappa further emphasized JUHI-2’s cutting-edge infrastructure: “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. It is a strategic asset, designed to provide a steady, reliable supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.”
Abiola Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, also highlighted the facility’s advanced technology, which allows JUHI-2 to handle high-volume aviation fuel efficiently. “This depot has the capability of loading four bowsers at a time. In all the above, the average truck delivery/turn-around time will be a minimum of 25 minutes, allowing for high volume and high-frequency aviation fuel handling.”
He also noted the emphasis on maintaining fuel quality: “To ensure the highest standards of fuel quality, JUHI-2 is equipped with an on-site laboratory as well as a modern filtration system. This specially designed system allows each of the four bowser loading points to have a dedicated filter.”
Bridget Gold, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, underscored the significance of JUHI-2, saying it would play a critical role in supporting aviation operations, improving service delivery, and stimulating national economic growth.
