Nigeria, on Monday, July 20, 2026, launched its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. The initiative aims to spearhead the decarbonisation of Nigeria’s aviation sector while positioning the country to lead Africa’s green aviation drive.
Against this background, Nigeria inaugurated the National High-Level SAF Steering Committee, presented the National SAF Feasibility Study, and launched the ICAO-supported SAF Business Implementation Study. The three initiatives represent a major step towards establishing a coordinated framework for sustainable aviation fuel development and deployment in Nigeria.
Inaugurating the seven-man steering committee, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), described the committee as a national governance platform. The high-level event was organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union (EU), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Keyamo, represented by the Director, Air Transport Management in the Ministry, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Tijani, said the committee would provide strategic direction and coordinate implementation efforts. It will also foster collaboration among stakeholders and oversee delivery of Nigeria’s SAF Implementation Programme.
Decarbonisation Creates New Opportunities for Nigeria
According to Keyamo, the initiative marks a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s efforts to build a resilient, competitive and environmentally sustainable aviation industry. He said SAF presents the country with a strategic opportunity to cut carbon emissions while attracting investment and creating jobs.
In addition, the Minister said sustainable aviation fuel could strengthen energy security and unlock value across Nigeria’s agriculture, energy and industrial sectors. He therefore urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with dedication, innovation and a shared sense of national purpose.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s aviation sustainability journey. He noted that the country was now moving from planning to implementation.
Najomo explained that the feasibility study was developed under ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Programme. The study received funding from the European Union and technical support from EASA.
According to the NCAA Director-General, the study provides an evidence-based foundation for converting Nigeria’s abundant feedstock resources into commercially viable SAF production. Therefore, it could help establish a pathway for developing a domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry.
The DGCA restated the NCAA’s commitment to coordinating stakeholders and driving implementation of the programme. He said the authority would serve as the secretariat of the National High-Level Sustainable Aviation Fuel Steering Committee.
Meanwhile, the NCAA will work with government agencies, industry players and international partners to move the initiative forward. The collaboration is expected to support the development of a viable SAF ecosystem capable of contributing to Nigeria’s long-term aviation sustainability goals.
Capt. Najomo expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s international partners, particularly the European Union, EASA and ICAO, for their continued support. He said their assistance remained important as Nigeria advances its sustainable aviation ambitions.
With the launch of the SAF programme and inauguration of the seven-man steering committee, Nigeria has formally strengthened its framework for aviation sustainability. The initiative places decarbonisation at the centre of efforts to build a greener, more resilient and competitive aviation sector.
