Nigeria removed from aviation blacklist as rating hits 75.5%

…airlines can access dry lease aircraft soon, says Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development has disclosed that Nigeria has been removed from blacklist globally as it’s global aviation rating has again risen to 75.5 percent.

The minister disclosed this during the commissioning of Juhi-2 aviation fuel depot on Thursday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos.

Keyamo hinted that with this new status, airlines can now access dry lease aircraft.

Last month, after the signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction by the Federal Government, it shot up the country’s image from 49 per cent to 70.5 per cent by the global aviation sector.

The minister assured that very soon, there would be more aircraft in Nigeria and Juhi-2 aviation fuel may need to increase its capacity to cater for the influx of aircraft into Nigeria.

Patience Dappa, chairman Juhi 2 Limited who spoke during the commissioning said the commissioning of the JUHI-2 depot is not just the conclusion of an infrastructural project; but testament to the company’s shared belief in excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management.

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“As the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, this facility spans 46,000 square meters and boasts an impressive storage capacity of 15 million liters of Jet A1 fuel.

“However, JUHI-2 is not just about size. It represents operational excellence, safety, and reliability. 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 (MMIA), MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases,” Dappa said.

She stressed that in building JUHI-2, they are not only enhancing infrastructure; but laying the foundation for Nigeria’s continued growth in aviation.

She said the facility will serve airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, and other aviation stakeholders, ensuring world-class fuel service, minimizing downtime, and maximizing operational efficiency.

Olubunmi Kuku Managing director FAAN said the depot will play a crucial role in supporting operations, improving service delivery, and bolstering national economic growth.

Details later…

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.