Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, has inaugurated the JUHI-2 jet fuel depot, with a 150 million litre capacity, marking a major boost for the nation’s aviation sector.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially commissioned the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), Nigeria’s largest airside jet fuel depot.

Located in Ikeja, Lagos, the facility has a capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel, significantly enhancing the country’s aviation infrastructure.

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JUHI-2 is designed to supply a minimum of 150 million litres of ATK (aviation turbine kerosene) monthly to airlines, representing 20% of Nigeria’s annual jet fuel consumption.

The depot is a collaborative effort involving major companies such as Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.

During the commissioning ceremony, Keyamo highlighted the facility’s global significance, stating that JUHI-2 would address challenges such as flight delays and cancellations, often caused by a lack of Jet A1 fuel.

He emphasised that its proximity to both local and international airports aligns with international aviation standards, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in global aviation operations.

“This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria,” said Keyamo. “It is also an international requirement that such infrastructure be located near major airports.

JUHI-2 has now brought us global relevance and will support key operations like hajj flights, where proximity to jet fuel supplies is essential.”

Keyamo also announced that Nigeria has been removed from the international watchlist of non-compliant countries, following an improvement in aircraft financing, from 70.5% to 75.5%. This progress allows Nigerian airlines to access dry lease aircraft globally, marking a significant improvement in the country’s aviation capabilities.

Patience Dappa, Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, explained that the new facility would strengthen Nigeria’s energy security and ensure a consistent, high-quality fuel supply chain for airlines.

She highlighted that JUHI-2 would enhance competitiveness by reducing flight delays and improving scheduling through faster refuelling processes.

“In building JUHI-2, we are not just enhancing infrastructure; we are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s continued growth in aviation,” Dappa said. “This facility will serve airlines, cargo carriers, and private jet operators, ensuring world-class fuel service and maximising operational efficiency.”

The depot is equipped with advanced technology, including state-of-the-art filtration systems and a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four fuel bowsers simultaneously, ensuring a faster turnaround time. The facility also features an on-site laboratory to maintain high fuel quality standards.

Abiola Lawal, Managing Director and CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, noted that JUHI-2 is designed for operational efficiency.

“This depot has the capability to load four bowsers at a time, with an average truck delivery and turn-around time of 25 minutes,” he said, adding that this innovation makes JUHI-2 the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Beyond its operational benefits, JUHI-2 is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth in surrounding areas, and support industries such as transportation and logistics.

The Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority Nigeria’s (FAAN) Legal Services, Bridget Gold, also stressed the crucial role the depot will play in supporting national growth and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

JUHI-2 represents a strategic investment that will not only fuel Nigeria’s aviation industry but also bolster its standing on the global stage, offering long-term benefits to the nation’s economy and infrastructure.