Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), has unveiled Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2) with a storage capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.
The facility, described as the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, has the capability of delivering a minimum of 150 million litres of ATK supplies monthly to airlines and also delivering 20 percent of the current nation’s annual sales volume in a month.
The JUHI-2 jet fuel depot is a collaborative effort between several prominent 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 on Thursday, Keyamo lauded the project, noting that it has significantly boosted Nigeria’s global standing and recognition.
He said the newly commissioned JUHI-2 fuel depot will alleviate flight delays and cancellations caused by Jet A1 fuel shortages.
According to Keyamo, the depot’s strategic proximity to both local and international airports meets international standards, guaranteeing efficient Jet A1 fuel supply to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and surrounding airbases.
He said: “This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria. We normally experience a lot of flight cancellations and flight delays, and in some cases, it is attributed to a lack of Jet A1 fuel.
“It is also an international requirement. You have just made us globally relevant because it requires that this kind of facility should not be far away from all major airports in the world.
“It is also a requirement for Hajj operations. Before any airport is approved for hajj operations, they ensure that such facilities are very close to the airport.
“In so many ways, this is a global requirement, and I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for this massive infrastructural investment to support the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.”
Disclosing the recent feats in the aviation sector, the minister said Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, having scaled 75.5 percent in aircraft financing from 70.5 percent.
He said airlines in Nigeria can now access aircraft on dry leases all over the world.
In her address, the Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, Mrs. Patience Dappa, explained that the facility will strengthen the nation’s energy security and provide a reliable and robust jet fuel supply chain.
Dappa, a legal practitioner, expressed the hope that the depot would ensure rapid response times and faster refueling processes, reducing delays, and improving overall flight scheduling to enhance the competitiveness of airports and airlines, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in aviation.
She said: “This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and cutting-edge fire prevention measures.
“It is a strategic asset, designed to provide a steady, reliable supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.
“In building JUHI-2, we are not only enhancing infrastructure; we are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s continued growth in aviation.
“This facility will serve airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, and other aviation stakeholders, ensuring world-class fuel service and maximizing operational efficiency.
“In essence, we are not just fueling planes; we are fueling the future of aviation in Nigeria.
“Beyond its operational significance, JUHI-2 will generate numerous benefits for Nigeria. It will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to a reduction in unemployment within the region.
“It will also stimulate economic growth by boosting related industries such as transportation, logistics, and maintenance services. This facility will play a pivotal role in the development of the airport area and its surrounding communities.”
Mr. Abiola Lawal, the Managing Director/CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, stated that JUHI-2 boasts cutting-edge technology, ensuring the highest standards of operational efficiency.
Lukman added that JUHI-2 can take delivery of four bridgers/aviation fuel trucks at a time, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria today.
He said: “In addition, this depot has the capability of loading four bowsers at a time. In all the above, the average truck delivery/turn-around time will be a minimum of 25 minutes, allowing for high volume and high-frequency aviation fuel handling.
“To ensure the highest standards of fuel quality, JUHI 2 is equipped with an on-site laboratory as well as a modern filtration system.
“This specially designed system allows each of the four bowser loading points to have a dedicated filter.”
The Director of Legal Services, Federal Airports Authority Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Bridget Gold, remarked that the fuel depot would play a crucial role in supporting operations, improving service delivery, and bolstering national economic growth.
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