The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially launched the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), a state-of-the-art facility with a storage capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.
This depot is recognized as the largest airside jet fuel facility in Nigeria, capable of delivering a minimum of 150 million litres of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) to airlines each month. This output represents 20% of the nation’s annual sales volume.
JUHI-2 is the result of a collaborative effort among several companies, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.
During the commissioning ceremony held at the JUHI-2 Ventures Limited premises in Ikeja, Lagos, Keyamo praised the project, emphasizing its contribution to Nigeria’s global relevance and recognition in the aviation sector.
He highlighted that the facility would address the recurring issues of flight delays and cancellations, often attributed to a shortage of Jet A1 fuel.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
He further noted the strategic location of the depot, which meets international requirements by being situated close to both local and international airports.
“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 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,” he added.
Keyamo also announced that Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, having improved its aircraft financing score from 70.5% to 75.5%. He assured that Nigerian airlines can now access aircraft on dry leases worldwide.
In her address, Patience Dappa, Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, explained that the facility would bolster the nation’s energy security and create a reliable jet fuel supply chain.
Dappa, a legal practitioner, highlighted the depot’s role in ensuring rapid response times and faster refuelling processes, which would enhance flight scheduling and overall competitiveness in the aviation sector.
“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,” Dappa stated.
She further emphasized, “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.”
Dappa also noted the broader economic benefits of JUHI-2, including the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities, which will help reduce unemployment in the region. Additionally, it will stimulate economic growth by boosting related industries such as transportation, logistics, and maintenance services.
Abiola Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, highlighted JUHI-2’s cutting-edge technology, which ensures the highest standards of operational efficiency. He noted that the facility can accommodate the delivery of four aviation fuel trucks simultaneously, a first in Nigeria.
“In addition, this depot has the capability of loading four bowsers at a time. The average truck delivery/turnaround time will be a minimum of 25 minutes, allowing for high volume and high-frequency aviation fuel handling,” Lawal explained.
He also emphasized that JUHI-2 is equipped with an on-site laboratory and a modern filtration system to maintain fuel quality standards. Each loading point features a dedicated filter to ensure optimal fuel integrity.
Bridget Gold, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, remarked on the critical role the fuel depot will play in enhancing operational support, improving service delivery, and fostering national economic growth.
