FG moves to decarbonise Abuja Airport, targets net-zero emissions in operations

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to begin the decarbonisation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as part of efforts to embed sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), will focus on measures such as electrification of airport facilities, adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, and waste-to-energy projects to cut emissions and achieve net-zero targets.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated that the challenges posed by climate change necessitate decisive and concerted action by stakeholders to adopt decarbonization.

He suggested exploring group electrification of aprons and terminals, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) corridors, and waste-to-energy projects to reduce emissions in airport operations.

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The Minister, represented by Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement on carbon emissions management at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“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.

“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

Also speaking, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, stated that climate change poses a threat to the global aviation industry, with potential negative ripple effects on businesses and livelihoods if not properly managed.

Kuku, who was represented by Luqman Eniola, Director of Human Resources and Administration, said FAAN is committed to decarbonising its operations through the implementation of strategic measures.

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“This forum is expected to help FAAN understand emission management measures so that we can integrate them into our carbon management plan for the airport, where it is necessary.”

She said that the FAAN ACA Team and the Carbon Emission Reduction Committee (CERC) carried out mapping in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, noting that electricity consumption accounted for approximately 90% of the total emissions at Lagos airport from 2017 to 2023.

Kuku said the implementation of emission reduction measures for the Lagos airport had commenced, adding that further actions would be considered during the reconstruction and expansion of the airport’s terminal buildings.

“The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is also important to us, and this is why we are hosting this event today to ensure that we hear from you, and we will journey together. As they say, ‘never walk alone’! We want to walk with you, and we need you to walk with us in our determination of net-zero emissions targets in our airport operations”, Kuku noted.