NCAA sets up seven-member committee to drive sustainable aviation fuel push

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has inaugurated a seven-member National High-Level Sustainable Aviation Fuel Steering Committee, a move designed to place Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s green aviation shift.

The committee was launched Monday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, during an event co-hosted by the NCAA, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the European Union, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The occasion also saw the presentation of Nigeria’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Feasibility Study and the launch of an ICAO-backed business implementation study, both laying groundwork for the country’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.

Speaking at the event, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, represented by Director of Air Transport Management Mohammed Tijani, described the initiative as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Tijani said the steering committee will serve as the highest governance body for SAF implementation, providing strategic direction, coordinating efforts across government and industry, and overseeing the delivery of Nigeria’s SAF programme.

He stressed that the transition to sustainable fuel is not just about meeting global climate obligations, it also offers significant economic potential.

“SAF gives Nigeria a strategic opportunity to cut aviation emissions while attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening energy security, and unlocking value across agriculture, energy, and manufacturing,” Tijani said.

He urged committee members to approach the task with creativity and purpose, adding: “The decisions we take today will shape the future competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”

NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo called the moment a turning point, saying Nigeria is now moving from planning to action.

“We now have a clear pathway for developing a SAF industry that aligns with global climate commitments while supporting national economic growth,” he said.

Najomo explained that the feasibility study was developed under ICAO’s capacity-building programme, with EU funding and technical support from EASA. The study provides an evidence-based roadmap for converting Nigeria’s biomass and other feedstocks into commercially viable SAF production.

“The feasibility study gives us the scientific and economic foundation to transform our vast feedstock resources into a thriving SAF industry,” he said.

Najomo reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to serving as the committee’s secretariat and coordinating stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

“Our goal is to ensure Nigeria becomes a leading player in SAF development on the African continent,” he added.