FG calls for investment in green aviation industry
By Seun Ibiyemi
The federal government has called for increased support and investment in infrastructure to facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources within the aviation sector.
The aviation industry is currently estimated to contribute around 2.5 per cent of global carbon emissions.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, acknowledged that the industry’s contribution to carbon emissions is significant and requires immediate action.
He explained that Nigeria has been actively involved in global initiatives, such as those led by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which promotes the message: “No country should be left behind.”
While noting the substantial cost of transitioning, Keyamo highlighted that it requires considerable research and investment in infrastructure, particularly for developing nations.
He made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change and Security, led by its Chairman, Kama Nkemkama, in Abuja.
Keyamo stated, “Contrary to the global perception that aviation is a major contributor to gas emissions, by 2015, the aviation industry was responsible for only 2.5 per cent of global carbon emissions. While this is still a notable figure, it is a manageable level. However, 2.5 per cent is sufficient to warrant aviation’s urgent focus on climate change and on aligning with global initiatives to reduce emissions.”
Discussing the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy, the Minister added, “We are part of ICAO’s initiative where no country is left behind, but as a developing country, it is extremely challenging for us to invest in the necessary infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel research. Even in the Western world, it is not an easy task. For those willing to invest in infrastructure to produce sustainable aviation fuel, the market for it is still underdeveloped.”
He continued, “It is particularly difficult because most of the aircraft in use worldwide, as well as airport generators, are designed specifically to run on fossil fuels. Changing aircraft engines to accommodate sustainable aviation fuels would involve enormous costs.”
“This is a massive global project that will take time, and for African nations, which are still grappling with poverty and infrastructure deficits, many view it as a lower priority. This is why Africa is now actively participating in the global ‘no country left behind’ initiative. ICAO’s promise is that they will ensure Western nations do not advance too far in their research or production of sustainable aviation fuel without bringing developing countries along.”
The Minister also mentioned that global efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions at airports themselves, not just in the skies.
Keyamo remarked, “There is also a concerted effort to reduce fuel consumption on the apron, in order to limit pollution around the immediate vicinity of airports.
“While these measures may seem small, they are part of a broader global effort to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. Even the taxiing time between where aircraft are parked and the runway is being minimised. All of these efforts are contributing to the transition, but it is undoubtedly a challenging process.”
He further noted, “Globally, even the best airlines have only achieved a 2 per cent transition. For instance, Emirates has flown once or twice using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), but most airlines are still unable to reach that milestone. Continued investment in research and infrastructure is essential.”
Kama Nkemkama, Chairman of the Committee, acknowledged the difficulties involved in the transition and stressed the need for incentives and infrastructure to ensure a smoother process.
“We are aware of the challenges that come with this transition, and we understand that it is costly. During our meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, we made it clear that developing countries, such as Nigeria, need substantial incentives and infrastructure to meet climate change transition goals,” Nkemkama said.
