In a major step towards environmental sustainability and in alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Nigeria has taken the lead in promoting financing for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production across the region.
The Federal Government hosted a high-level regional workshop themed “, held in Lagos State from 5th to 9th May 2025. Organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the hybrid workshop aimed to explore SAF investment opportunities and address the sector’s financial and operational challenges.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from 14 African countries, alongside SAF project developers and international financial institutions. Coordinated by Mrs Yinka Iriobe of the NCAA’s Directorate of Air Transport Regulations, the event focused on investment de-risking strategies, project bankability, and mechanisms for sustainable financing.
A significant milestone of the workshop was the formal inauguration of six (6) Technical Working Groups (TWGs) by the Director-General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo. These groups will oversee SAF development in Nigeria across key areas: Policy and Regulation, Feedstock and Production, Funding and Investment, Technology and Innovation, Environmental and Social Impact, and Infrastructure and Logistics.
The final two days of the event were dedicated to Nigeria’s domestic SAF roadmap, with participants engaging in robust discussions around project financing, capacity building, and access to sustainable energy sources in aviation.
The workshop formed part of the ACT-SAF Africa-India Project (Part II), designed to provide assistance, training, and capacity building for SAF development. Presentations from developers and financiers highlighted the need for robust risk mitigation frameworks and multi-stakeholder collaboration to support viable SAF production in Africa.
Participants also examined the SAF direct supply chain, financing tools, and best financial practices, while mapping key stakeholders and identifying existing financial instruments that could support the SAF value chain.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Captain Najomo, Barrister Bukola Teriba, Regional Manager of NCAA’s Lagos Office, underscored the importance of access to finance for SAF projects, stressing its pivotal role in mitigating the aviation sector’s environmental footprint.
The Nigerian-led initiative demonstrates a clear commitment to green aviation and regional cooperation, positioning the country at the forefront of Africa’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable air travel.