The federal government has demonstrated its commitment to moving forward with green aviation across Africa and has held high-level regional workshops on financing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
The five-day event, held in Lagos from 5-9 May 2025, brought together stakeholders from 14 African countries, international organizations and SAF project developers to address access to finance, investment risks and project bankability.
According to a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, the event highlights Nigeria's commitment to climate action and sustainable aviation, whilst promoting regional cooperation.
Organized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in collaboration with the Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the workshop formed part of the support, capacity building and training for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (ACT-SAF) Africa-Indian Project.
The highlight of the workshop included in the statement was the official inauguration of six Technical Working Groups (TWG) by NCAA Director Chris Najomo. These include TWGs. Policy and regulations. Raw materials and production. Finance and investment; Technology and innovation. Environmental and social impact; Infrastructure and logistics will guide Nigeria's SAF development in key thematic areas.
The final two days of the workshop were dedicated to SAF's Nigerian engagement, focusing on developing a domestic roadmap for the production and deployment of SAF.
The hybrid workshop, based on the theme of “Access to Finance for SAF Production,” aims to tackle the real-world challenges faced by SAF developers and investors. It examined the risk-removal strategies, financial instruments, and roles of various actors in creating a viable SAF ecosystem in Africa.
Participants included representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), EU delegations to Nigeria and Western and Central Africa (WACAF), and other global aviation and climate stakeholders.
Speaking during the opening session, Krisna Jomo, represented by Bukolatiriba, the NCAA's Regional Manager of Lagos, underscored the importance of securing funding for aviation projects, reducing the aviation environmental footprint and achieving the long-term aspiration target of ICAO for NET-ZERO carbon emissions by 2050.
