The Federal Government has unveiled plans to initiate the decarbonisation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as part of its broader commitment to addressing climate change impacts on the aviation sector.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), made the disclosure on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement on carbon emissions management held in Abuja. The event, organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, focused on practical strategies for reducing carbon emissions at the airport.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Keyamo stressed the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in airport operations. He proposed targeted initiatives such as the group electrification of aprons and terminals, the establishment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel corridors, and the development of waste-to-energy projects as pathways to reducing the airport’s environmental footprint.
Highlighting the importance of securing Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) for Abuja airport, Keyamo noted that such a milestone would enhance Nigeria’s global standing as a country ready for environmentally responsible business.
“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,” he said.
He further emphasized that climate change is a current and critical challenge requiring immediate and unified efforts.
“The challenge of climate change is not a distant theoretical concern; it is a present and pressing reality that demands decisive, concerted action,” he added.
Keyamo reiterated the need for sustainability to become a central focus of Nigeria’s growing aviation infrastructure.
“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 said.
“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.”
