FG committed to promoting green investment, innovation in aviation sector

The Federal Government is committed to promoting green investment and innovation to create a sustainable aviation sector in the nation’s airports.

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made this known in his opening remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

Keyamo, who was represented by the Ministry`s Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana, this aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and foster environmentally responsible practices within the Nigerian aviation industry.

The meeting is with theme, “Airport Carbon Emission Management: Role of Strategic and Intentional Collaboration among Stakeholders,” based on ‘ Airport Carbon Emission Management’ for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

The minister said the achievements of carbon emission management at NAIA would be viewed as blueprint for rollout across nation`s international gateways.

Keyamo commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the visionary initiative in convening the forum and their commitment to the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme.

“The business case for decarbonisation is as compelling as the environmental one. Internationally, we are witnessing a rapid shift in investor priorities towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

“Access to global capital, favourable financing, and partnerships with leading international aviation entities will increasingly be contingent on demonstrating robust environmental stewardship.

“Furthermore, modern, fuel efficient aircraft and environmentally conscious international airlines are, and will continue to be, drawn to hubs that can offer efficient, low carbon operations,“ he added.

According to him, achieving ACA certification for NAIA will be a powerful signal to the world as Nigeria is open for sustainable business, and can be accomplished by stakeholders` combine efforts.

The minister observed that the complex ecosystem of an airport meant that emissions were generated from a multitude of sources like aircraft landing and take-off cycles operated by airline partners and ground support equipment powered by our handlers.

Others he mentioned are vehicular traffic from staff and passengers, and the energy footprint of concessions and catering services.

“ Therefore, a siloed approach is destined to fail. Our strategy must be holistic, integrated, and founded upon what this theme rightly terms ‘intentional collaboration’. Let us be clear-eyed about the task ahead.

“ It requires investment, innovation, and a profound shift in how we operate. But the rewards—a cleaner environment, reduced operational costs, enhanced global reputation, and a sustainable industry for our children are immeasurable, “ Keyamo said.

The minister urged the stakeholders to let the outcomes of the engagement be the catalyst for a new chapter in Nigerian aviation section where growth and sustainability were mutually reinforcing objectives.

He stated that the federal government, as a driver of economic growth, connectivity and national development, would keep addressing environmental impact with utmost seriousness.

“The challenge of climate change is not a distant theoretical concern; it is a present and pressing reality that demands decisive, concerted action.

“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.

Keyamo called for the formation of a technical working group, stemming from the meeting, with representatives from every stakeholder organisation present be tasked with developing a concrete, costed, and time-bound Action Plan for NAIA.

“This collaboration must explore tangible initiatives such as – Multi-user electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air units: Phasing out auxiliary power units which are inefficient and highly polluting.

“Group electrification of aprons and terminals: Working with energy providers to ensure a reliable and increasing share of power comes from renewable sources, also employing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Corridors.

“Beginning dialogues with fuel marketers and regulators to explore feasibility of introducing SAF blends into supply chain. Waste-to-Energy Projects: Partnering with environmental agencies and concessionaires to manage waste effectively and generate value,“ he said.

Also speaking, the FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku said the Airports Council International (ACI) had developed a robust programme, the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), to address climate change at the nation`s airport.

Kuku, who was represented by Dr Luqman Emiola, Director of Human Resources and Administration in FAAN, said ACA would be for airports to measure, report, monitor and manage carbon emissions from the airport operations.

“ Airport Carbon Accreditation was developed according to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, providing guidelines for management of scopes I, II and III emissions. FAAN is one of the global airports that actively involve in ACA programme.

“ For us at the FAAN, we are intentional and committed to decarbonising our operations through implementation of ambitious but realistic strategic measures.

“We are aware that we cannot achieve the above alone without your support and cooperation as our important stakeholders, particularly in tackling our scope 3 emissions. This necessitated the call for this important engagement, “ she said.

According to her, the forum is expected to help FAAN, as airports’ operator, to understand stakeholder’s` emission management measures in order to integrate them into FAAN carbon management plan for the airport, where it is necessary.

Kuku added that each airport had its peculiar carbon management approach irrespectively of airports similarity.

She described climate change as a threat to global aviation industry if not properly managed , with potential negative ripple effects on nation`s business and livelihood.