A Photo File : Festus Keyamo

The federal government has disclosed plans to commence the decarbonisation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the challenges posed by climate change demand decisive, concerted action by stakeholders to embrace decarbonisation.

He suggested exploring group electrification of aprons and terminals, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) corridors, and waste-to-energy projects to reduce emissions in airport operations.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement on carbon emissions management at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He noted that achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certification for Abuja airport would show the world that Nigeria is open for sustainable business.

He said, “The global aviation community stands at a crossroads. On one hand, we are drivers of economic growth, connectivity, and national development. On the other hand, we are duty-bound to address our environmental impact with utmost seriousness.

“The challenge of climate change is not a distant theoretical concern, it is a present and pressing reality that demands decisive, concerted action. For Nigeria, a nation poised for exponential growth in air travel and trade, embedding sustainability into the very core of our aviation infrastructure is not an option; it is an imperative for long-term, resilient prosperity.”

He explained that modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and environmentally conscious international airlines are, and will continue to be drawn to hubs that can offer efficient, low-carbon operations.

“Achieving ACA certification for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is therefore a powerful signal to the world that Nigeria is open for sustainable business.”

The Minister, however, noted that the reduction in emissions requires investment, innovation and a shift in operation.

“Let us be clear-eyed about the task ahead. It requires investment, innovation, and a profound shift in how we operate. But the rewards are a cleaner environment, reduced operational costs, enhanced global reputation, and a sustainable industry for our children.

“The authority cannot accomplish this in isolation. The complex ecosystem of an airport means that emissions are generated from a multitude of sources: aircraft landing and take-off cycles operated by our airline partners, ground support equipment powered by our handlers, vehicular traffic from staff and passengers, and the energy footprint of concessions and catering services.”

On some measures to reduce emission, Keyamo said, “We must explore tangible initiatives by phasing out auxiliary power units which are inefficient and highly polluting, work with energy providers to ensure a reliable and increasing share of power comes from renewable sources and begin dialogues with fuel marketers and regulators to explore the feasibility of introducing sustainable aviation fuel blends into our supply chain.”

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs.Olubunmi Kuku said climate change poses threat to global aviation industry, with potential negative ripple effects on business and livelihood if not.properly managed.

Mrs. Kuku who was represented by the Director of Human Resource and Administration, Dr. Luqman Eniola said FAAN is committed to decarbonising its operations through implementation of strategic measures.

On the essence of the stakeholder.engagement she said, “This forum is expected to help FAAN to understand emission management measures so that we can integrate them into our carbon management plan for the airport, where it is necessary”. 

She hinted that the FAAN ACA Team and the Carbon Emission Reduction Committee (CERC) carried out mapping in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt, noting that electricity consumption accounted for about 90% of the total emissions for Lagos airport from 2017 to 2023.

Kuku said implementation of emission reduction measures for the Lagos airport has commenced, adding that more actions will be considered in the reconstruction and expansion of the airport’s terminal buildings.

“The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is also important to us and this is why we are hosting this event today to ensure that we hear from you, and we will journey together. As they say, ‘never walk alone’! We want to walk with you, and we need you to walk with us in our determination of net-zero emissions target in our airport operations.”