The aviation sector in Nigeria is on the cusp of a transformative shift with the impending commissioning of the Joint User Hydrant Installation (JUHI-2) depot, which is set to take place on October 17, 2024. This significant development will introduce a 15 million-litre aviation fuel depot located near the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, along with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, will officiate the unveiling. This facility represents not only a substantial upgrade in fuel supply capabilities but also the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, marking a milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure.
According to a statement from Mrs. Patience Dappa, Group Managing Director of Masters Energy, the JUHI-2 depot is a game-changer for the Nigerian aviation industry. Its establishment signals a proactive step towards ensuring a reliable and continuous supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, including its domestic terminal MMA2 and other nearby airbases. This development is critical as aviation fuel supply challenges have historically plagued the industry, impacting flight operations and overall sector efficiency. The successful unveiling of this depot is anticipated to mitigate such challenges, thereby enhancing operational reliability within this vital sector.
The JUHI-2 depot is designed to support a variety of aviation operations, catering to domestic and international flights, cargo transport, pilgrimage flights, business jets, and both scheduled and non-scheduled air services. Abiola Lawal, Managing Director and CEO of Eterna Plc and Chairman of the JUHI-2 Commissioning Committee, emphasized that the state-of-the-art nature of the depot will strategically position it to meet the diverse fuel demands arising from various flight activities. This advancement is expected to bolster the operational capacity of airlines and other stakeholders in the aviation market, providing significant benefits to the industry as a whole.
The facility, which spans an impressive 46,000 square meters, represents a collaborative effort between several key players in the sector, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy, Techno Oil, Quest Oil, Rahamaniyya, Ibafon Oil, and First Deep Water Limited. The design of JUHI-2 incorporates cutting-edge technology and features the latest filtration systems to ensure the quality of jet fuel. Furthermore, it can accommodate the simultaneous loading of four bowsers, streamline fuel discharge with dedicated trucks, and house a modern laboratory. Robust fire prevention systems have also been integrated into the operational framework, confirming the facility’s commitment to safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the JUHI-2 depot’s operational improvements could have significant implications for the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market and broader energy sector dynamics. By facilitating a steady supply of jet fuel, the facility not only enhances the functionalities of air transport but also plays a vital role in the entire logistics and transport framework within and beyond Nigeria. Enhancing the aviation industry’s fuel supply chain is crucial for promoting air travel, expanding trade routes, and ensuring safe transport of goods and passengers, ultimately stimulating economic growth and development in the region.
As the commissioning date approaches, anticipation is building among industry stakeholders who recognize the impact JUHI-2 is set to have on Nigeria’s aviation landscape. The event will bring together pivotal figures from the aviation and energy sectors, as leaders like Keyamo and Lokpobiri take part in a momentous occasion that will rekindle confidence in the fuel supply continuity and operational capabilities of Nigerian airlines. The successful launch of the JUHI-2 depot is expected to be a catalyst for ongoing improvements and investments in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, significantly boosting the country’s position in the African aviation market and setting a foundation for future advancements.
