The aviation sector in Nigeria has recently taken a major step forward with the advent of the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), an initiative that promises to revolutionize air travel in the country. With a storage capacity of 15 million litres of Jet A1 fuel, JUHI-2 is the largest airside fuel depot in Nigeria.
This massive project, a result of cooperation between several 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, is a true symbol of progress for the Nigerian aviation industry. Indeed, the monthly delivery capacity of 150 million litres of ATK (Turboprop Kerosene) fuel represents 20% of the nation’s annual sales volume.
The inauguration ceremony held in Ikeja, Lagos, was an opportunity for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to commend this major achievement and its positive impact on the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria. Noting that shortages of Jet A1 fuel are often responsible for flight delays and cancellations, he highlighted the strategic importance of the JUHI-2 to the aviation industry.
“This kind of facility is not only crucial for our country but also to meet international aviation requirements. It is imperative that infrastructure of this magnitude be present in the vicinity of all major airports in the world. Furthermore, for the operations of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, such facilities are a sine qua non. By investing heavily in this project, you have made Nigeria a major player in the global aviation scene, and I thank you warmly.”
In addition to the inauguration of JUHI-2, Minister Keyamo also announced an encouraging news: Nigeria has been removed from the list of non-compliant countries after scoring 75.5% in aircraft financing, up from 70.5% previously. This recognition now allows airlines in Nigeria to access dry-lease aircraft globally, opening up new opportunities for the sector.
In short, the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 stands as a symbol of progress and innovation for the aviation sector in Nigeria. With its massive storage capacity, it ensures a constant supply of fuel to airlines, thereby helping to reduce flight delays and cancellations. This project, coupled with the improved aircraft financing, opens up new opportunities for the Nigerian aviation industry, strengthening its competitiveness on the international stage.