In a bid to improve environmental safety and support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Nigerian government has taken the lead in championing financing for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
The initiative took shape at a high-level regional workshop titled “Access to Finance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production”, held in Lagos State from 5 to 9 May 2025. The hybrid event was organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Bringing together stakeholders from 14 African countries, the workshop focused on investment opportunities and financial challenges facing SAF production on the continent. International financial institutions and SAF project developers attended to discuss key issues such as risk mitigation, project bankability, and pathways to scale up sustainable fuel development.
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The final two days of the workshop were dedicated to Nigeria’s SAF engagement, during which the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, officially inaugurated six Technical Working Groups (TWGs). These groups covering Policy and Regulation; Feedstock and Production; Funding and Investment; Technology and Innovation; Environmental and Social Impact; and Infrastructure and Logistics will steer Nigeria’s SAF development across critical thematic areas.
Coordinated by Mrs Yinka Iriobe of the NCAA’s Directorate of Air Transport Regulations, the engagement is seen as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition towards sustainable aviation fuel adoption.
Under the ACT-SAF Africa-India Project (Part II), the workshop also addressed financial frameworks, supply chain strategies, and practical tools for SAF financing. Developers and financiers explored de-risking strategies and shared best practices for securing investment in SAF projects.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of Captain Najomo, Barrister Bukola Teriba, NCAA’s Regional Manager for Lagos, highlighted the urgent need for accessible financing for SAF initiatives, reaffirming its critical role in minimising aviation’s carbon footprint and aligning with ICAO’s global climate goals.
