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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially inaugurated the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), a jet fuel depot with a storage capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.
This facility, regarded as the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, has the capacity to supply at least 150 million litres of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) to airlines every month, equating to 20% of the country’s current annual sales volume in just one month.
The project was executed by a consortium of companies including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.
At the commissioning ceremony held at the JUHI-2 Ventures Limited premises in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, Keyamo praised the initiative, noting that it enhances Nigeria’s global relevance in aviation.
He stressed that the facility would help address the frequent flight delays and cancellations often caused by a shortage of Jet A1 fuel.
“The location of this depot, near both local and international airports, meets international standards,” Keyamo stated. “This strategic facility is crucial to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. It is an international requirement to have such facilities close to major airports, and this development ensures that Nigeria is globally relevant. It is also essential for operations like the annual Hajj pilgrimage.”
Keyamo further highlighted recent achievements in the aviation sector, noting that Nigeria has improved its aircraft financing rating to 75.5% from 70.5%, resulting in the country being removed from the global watchlist of non-compliant nations. This advancement allows Nigerian airlines to access aircraft on dry lease arrangements worldwide.
Patience Dappa, Chairperson of JUHI-2 Limited, emphasized that the facility strengthens Nigeria’s energy security by ensuring a stable and robust jet fuel supply chain. Dappa explained that the depot would reduce refueling times, minimize delays, and improve overall flight scheduling, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian airports and airlines.
“This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers at once, a modern laboratory, and advanced fire prevention measures,” Dappa explained. “It will supply Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases, enhancing the infrastructure necessary for Nigeria’s aviation growth.”
Abiola Lawal, Managing Director and CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, highlighted JUHI-2’s advanced technology, which ensures operational efficiency and high standards. The depot can handle the simultaneous delivery of four aviation fuel trucks, with an average turnaround time of 25 minutes, facilitating the high-volume fuel needs of the aviation industry.
Bridget Gold, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, also remarked that the fuel depot will significantly boost operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
