Just In: Nigeria Removed From Watchlist, Improves Aviation Rating

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the country’s global aviation rating has improved to 75.5 percent, leading to its removal from the international aviation watchlist.

Naijaonpoint reports that this was disclosed during the commissioning of the Juhi-2 aviation fuel depot at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday.

Keyamo highlighted that with this upgraded status, airlines operating in Nigeria can now access dry lease aircraft, enhancing the aviation sector’s operations.

Last month, the country’s rating improved from 49 percent to 70.5 percent following the Federal Government’s signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, significantly boosting Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation sector.

The minister expressed optimism that more aircraft would soon operate in Nigeria, potentially requiring an expansion of Juhi-2’s fuel capacity to accommodate the anticipated increase in air traffic.

Patience Dappa, Chairman of Juhi-2 Limited, emphasized that the commissioning of the JUHI-2 depot marks more than the completion of an infrastructural project, but reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management.

The facility, which spans 46,000 square meters and can store up to 15 million liters of Jet A1 fuel, is currently the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria.

Dappa added that the depot is equipped with advanced filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and cutting-edge fire prevention measures.

She described the JUHI-2 depot as a key strategic asset, designed to provide a reliable jet fuel supply to MMIA and other nearby airports, supporting Nigeria’s growing aviation industry.

Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of the new facility in supporting airport operations, improving service delivery, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.