Nigeria is set to unveil its largest aviation fuel depot near Lagos, enhancing the country’s aviation operations. The Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2) facility, with a capacity of 15 million litres of jet fuel, will open on October 17, 2024, close to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport road.
The facility will be inaugurated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
In a statement, the Group Managing Director of Masters Energy and Chairperson of the JUHI-2 Board, Mrs. Patience Dappa, noted, “This depot will be a key hub for aviation fuel supply, ensuring consistent service to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.”
The JUHI-2 facility will meet the fuel demands of various flight operations, including domestic, international, cargo, and business jets. Abiola Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Eterna Plc and Chairman of the JUHI-2 Commissioning Committee, explained that the depot is designed to serve both scheduled and non-scheduled flights, including special services like Hajj flights.
“This state-of-the-art depot will significantly enhance aviation operations, supporting a wide range of flight activities,” Lawal said.
The 46,000 square metre JUHI-2 facility is a joint venture between seven major companies, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy, Techno Oil, Quest Oil, Rahamaniyya, Ibafon Oil, and First Deep Water Limited. It features advanced technology, including modern filtration systems, the ability to load four bowsers simultaneously, and a jet fuel discharge system with four dedicated trucks. The depot is also equipped with a laboratory and top-tier fire prevention systems.
Lawal highlighted the advanced operational support and safety features, calling JUHI-2 “the best of its kind in Nigeria.”
Key stakeholders from the aviation and energy sectors are expected to attend the official commissioning event, which will mark a significant milestone for the Nigerian aviation industry.
