Nigerian Air Force seeks permission to import Aviation fuel, proposes coastal depot
Oredola Adeola
As a result of the rising prices of JET-A1, also known as aviation fuel, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has requested for operational license to import Jet A-1, in order to save cost and sustain air operations, with proposed plan to build coastal reception depot for the NAF as an immediate term measure.
Isiaka Amao, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, made this known while delivering a lecture during the security study week for participants of the Senior Executive Course, SEC 44 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State, on Wednesday.
Air Marshal Amao presented the proposal in response to the rising prices of JET-A1, adding that granting NAF’s permission to import the petroleum product would reduce its operational cost.
He further noted that having an aviation fuel coastal depot would significantly reduce challenges of low level of budgetary releases, inadequate air situational awareness, inadequate air defence organization and inadequate air defence personnel faced by NAF.
Speaking on the topic: “Management of current and emerging air threats: Implications for strengthening governance in Nigeria”, Amao said, “Granting NAF operational license to import Jet A-1 will save cost and help sustain air operations.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had earlier raised alarm over rising prices of aviation fuel, from N500 per litre N710 per litre in Nigeria per litre.
This has resulted in the shut down of about three local airlines, which according to AON was due to the unbearable cost of operations. This development has further affected the overall operational cost in the aviation business.
