Nigeria launches steering committee to fast-track sustainable aviation fuel adoption

The NCAA has inaugurated a seven-member steering committee tasked with driving the country's sustainable aviation fuel agenda, a move officials say will put Nigeria on the map as a green aviation leader in Africa.

The committee was sworn in Monday at Abuja's International Conference Centre, at a gathering jointly organized by the NCAA, ICAO, the European Union, and EASA. The event also doubled as a platform to unveil Nigeria's national SAF feasibility study and an ICAO-backed business implementation study, both critical blueprints for the country's decarbonisation roadmap.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, represented by Mohammed Tijani, called the launch a defining moment. Tijani said the committee will function as the top decision-making body for SAF projects, coordinating across ministries, industry players, and international partners.

He argued that SAF isn't just about climate compliance, it's an economic opportunity. "It can cut emissions, attract investments, create jobs, boost energy security, and unlock new value in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing," he said.

He also challenged committee members to be bold and innovative, noting that their work would determine the aviation industry's future competitiveness.

NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo described the moment as a shift from planning to execution. "We now have a clear path to build a SAF industry that meets global climate goals while growing our economy," he said.

Najomo said the feasibility study, developed under ICAO's capacity-building programme with EU funding and EASA technical support, offers a science-backed roadmap for turning Nigeria's biomass and other raw materials into viable SAF.

"With this study, we have the foundation to turn our vast resources into a thriving SAF sector," he said.

He reaffirmed that the NCAA will serve as the committee's secretariat, coordinating all stakeholders to ensure the programme delivers.

"Our ambition is for Nigeria to become a dominant player in SAF development across Africa," he added.