The Federal Government has said it will develop a road map and set targets on adaptation of cleaner energy in the aviation industry.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo who spoke on Monday in Abuja said the federal government is engaging stakeholders and international partners on developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and other cleaner fuels.
The minister who spoke at the 2nd consultative stakeholders engagement on the development and deployment of SAF, LCAF and other cleaner fuels, also said several technical analyses done revealed that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has the greatest potential to reduce emissions from International Aviation.
To this regards, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will be partnering with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) which is the National Designated Authority and official Focal Point to address the impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
Represented at the event by the Director-General, the Civil Aviation Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, the Minister said several technical analyses done revealed that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has the greatest potential to reduce emissions from International Aviation.
“EASA is therefore here to assist Nigeria to fast track the development and deployment of SAF/LCAF and other cleaner energy alternatives for aviation through the conduction of a SAF Feasibility Stuy capacity building, knowledge sharing and the support to build sustainable partnerships between potential feedstock producers, processors, researchers, technology developers, financiers and the end users” he said.
On the availability of cleaner fuels in Nigeria, the minister said: “it is pertinent to state here that Nigeria is blessed with enormous potentials of developing SAF in large quantities and on a sustainable basis thus, as key players and decision makers, we should embrace this opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with experts from within the industry and EASA to help chart a clear path for the development and deployment of SAF and LCAF and other cleaner fuels in our nation.”
“I wish to use this opportunity to reaffirm that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has placed aviation at the center of its National Economic Development and is committed to the global agenda of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Our nation recognizes the potential of SAF, LCAF, and cleaner energy alternatives to not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and build a resilient energy sector” he indicated.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe said, ” This the second meeting and more meetings will come because the government is showing that Nigeria wants to decarbonise her aviation sector and that is why there is a conversation on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and low carbon aviation fuel and other cleaner fuels as well.
The only way we will know what we need to do is through engagement with stakeholders and that is why this meeting is important.
“Transport is one of the highest emitters of carbon emission. Should we get it right in our aviation sector, we will get it right in our indices. We cannot make decisions without the stakeholders and that is why we call them to understand what SAF is about and to also make them know what they can do differently. They must understand firstly and then they would be given alternatives and provide business opportunities and rates. This is where the support from the EU is very important. We have EASA as partners and that is to show that we are mainstreaming SDG 17 in this.”