The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently inaugurated the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2, a state-of-the-art jet fuel storage and distribution facility with a capacity to hold 150 million liters of Jet A1 fuel.
Located in Ikeja, Lagos, JUHI-2 is positioned as Nigeria’s largest airside jet fuel depot, capable of delivering at least 150 million liters of aviation turbine kerosene monthly, which equates to 20% of the nation’s annual sales in just one month.
According to The PUNCH, the JUHI-2 project is the result of a consortium involving several leading energy firms such as Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.
At the commissioning event held at the JUHI-2 Ventures Limited site, Keyamo underscored the facility’s significance to Nigeria’s aviation sector, emphasizing how it enhances the country’s standing on the global stage.
He pointed out that the new depot will help tackle long-standing issues such as flight delays and cancellations, which are often caused by shortages of Jet A1 fuel.
“This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria,” Keyamo noted.
He further emphasized that the depot’s proximity to both local and international airports meets global aviation standards, making it vital for Nigeria’s compliance with international aviation regulations, especially for hajj operations.
Keyamo also shared that Nigeria has recently been removed from the list of non-compliant countries in the aviation sector, having improved from 70.5% to 75.5% in aircraft financing.
He announced that this progress will enable Nigerian airlines to access dry leases for aircraft globally, opening new opportunities for the industry.
JUHI-2 Chairman, Patience Dappa, highlighted the broader impact of the facility.
According to Dappa, the project will strengthen Nigeria’s energy security by providing a reliable and robust supply of jet fuel.
The cutting-edge infrastructure will also speed up refueling processes and improve flight scheduling, positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub in regional aviation.
“This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system that can load four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and cutting-edge fire prevention measures,” Dappa stated.
She noted that JUHI-2’s proximity to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and nearby airbases would ensure a seamless supply chain for airlines, cargo carriers, and private jets alike, boosting the nation’s aviation capabilities.
Beyond the operational enhancements, Dappa explained that JUHI-2 would create both direct and indirect employment, stimulating economic growth and supporting industries such as transportation, logistics, and maintenance.
The facility is set to become a cornerstone for the development of the airport and its surrounding areas, offering a ripple effect that would contribute to the region’s overall growth.
Managing Director/CEO of Eterna Oil Plc, Abiola Lawal, detailed the technological advancements in the depot, which allows for the simultaneous loading of four aviation fuel trucks, a first in Nigeria.
He noted that the turn-around time for fuel delivery will be drastically reduced, enhancing operational efficiency
“The average truck delivery time will be a minimum of 25 minutes,” Lawal explained, ensuring that JUHI-2 will handle high volumes of aviation fuel swiftly.
The facility is also equipped with an on-site laboratory and a filtration system at each loading point to ensure the highest quality of fuel.
The Director of Legal Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Bridget Gold, added that JUHI-2’s capacity would significantly improve service delivery, supporting national economic growth while fostering better operational support for airlines and airports.
This facility marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, laying the groundwork for further advancements in the sector while providing the necessary fuel supply to keep the country’s airports competitive on the global stage.