Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Nigerian airline operators have collectively decided to stop purchasing imported jet fuel, opting instead for locally refined products from the Dangote Refinery. This move is aimed at promoting self-sufficiency in aviation fuel supply and supporting the local industry.
Keyamo revealed the decision during a live broadcast on Channels TV, explaining that the shift aligns with the Dangote Refinery’s readiness to start producing Jet A1 fuel for the Nigerian market. He praised the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for making this collective decision, emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic production.
“This is a decision by the airline operators, with my encouragement, to prioritize local fuel sources and reduce reliance on imported fuel,” Keyamo said during the broadcast. He further highlighted that this development coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to initiate naira transactions for crude oil within the country.
The decision marks a significant step towards reducing the aviation sector’s dependence on imported fuel and fostering economic growth within Nigeria’s oil refining industry.