The Federal government has expressed commitment towards achieving clean energy in the Aviation sector in Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the 2nd consultative stakeholders engagement on the development and deployment of SAF, LCAF, and other cleaner fuels, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said the government is engaging stakeholders and international partners on developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and other cleaner fuels.
Keyamo stated that government will develop a roadmap as well as achieve targets for adaptation of cleaner energy in the aviation industry.
Represented by the Director of General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, the Minister explained that several technical analyses revealed that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has the greatest potential to reduce emissions from International Aviation.
In this regard, 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.
Keyamo said; “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 Study capacity building, knowledge sharing and the support to build sustainable partnerships between potential feedstock producers, processors, researchers, technology developers, financiers, and the end users.
“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.”
The Minister therefore used the opportunity to reaffirm that government 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.
In his address, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe said, “This is the second meeting and more meetings will come because the government is showing that Nigeria wants to decarbonize 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.
“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,” he stated.
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