Hidden Dangers: How Illegal Jet Fuel Threatens Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
By FIDELUS ZWANSON
A Growing Threat Beneath Nigeria’s Skies
NIGERIA’S aviation industry is facing a silent but potentially devastating crisis: the rapid expansion of a black market for aviation turbine kerosene (Jet A-1). While passenger numbers rise and airports remain busy, industry experts warn that substandard and uncertified jet fuel is increasingly finding its way into aircraft supply chains, raising serious concerns about flight safety.
Unlike visible safety lapses, compromised fuel quality often goes unnoticed until damage is done. Poor-quality fuel can degrade aircraft engines, increase maintenance cycles, and in extreme cases trigger in-flight emergencies. What may appear as cost savings for some operators ultimately threatens passenger lives and undermines confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system.
Industry Alarm Bells Ring Loudly
The scale of the problem came into public focus during an aviation colloquium organised by CITA Energies in October last year. Regulators, airline operators, fuel suppliers and energy experts openly acknowledged the existence of a parallel market trading in uncertified jet fuel.
Although no specific companies were named, participants agreed that the problem is real and growing. They warned that unless addressed decisively, the practice could erode safety standards that aviation depends on.
Cheap Fuel, Expensive Consequences
Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, Chief Executive of CITA Energies Ltd., says the danger lies not just in price competition but in quality compromise. Drawing from decades of experience in the downstream energy sector, he explained that some suppliers source fuel from modular refineries not licensed to produce aviation-grade kerosene or recycle household kerosene and sell it as Jet A-1.
“Aviation fuel is about precision,” Ogungbangbe said. “You may think you are buying cheaper fuel, but you will pay much more later—sometimes in multiple folds—during maintenance checks or engine repairs.”
He likened the practice to using the same raw ingredient for different outcomes. “It’s like flour. You can make bread, cake or doughnuts from it, but each requires a specific process. Using the wrong specification for aviation is like baking bread when you need cake.”
Cost Pressures and Moral Hazard
Airline operators admit that harsh economic realities make cheaper fuel tempting. Rising foreign exchange costs, thin profit margins and high operational expenses push some operators toward low-priced alternatives without fully scrutinising their origin.
However, experts warn that this temptation creates a moral hazard. “Cutting corners today creates bigger problems tomorrow,” Ogungbangbe said, stressing that safety must never be traded for short-term gains.
Dangote Refinery: Not a Silver Bullet
The commissioning of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was expected to transform Nigeria’s jet fuel supply, reducing dependence on imports and improving quality assurance. With enough capacity to meet domestic and regional demand, the refinery has eased some supply constraints.
Yet, local production alone does not eliminate malpractice. According to Ogungbangbe, global fuel trading dynamics still create arbitrage opportunities. Some marketers continue sourcing fuel from international markets or unregulated suppliers if prices appear favourable.
“We practise capitalism,” he said. “How individual companies run their businesses differs. That’s where regulation and ethics must come in.”
Why the Black Market Persists
Several factors continue to sustain the black market. Limited access to capital prevents some marketers from purchasing certified fuel in bulk. Market fragmentation fuels price wars, while dollar scarcity adds further pressure.
These conditions make illicit supply chains attractive, particularly when enforcement gaps exist outside major airports.
Regulatory Oversight and Global Standards
International aviation bodies such as ICAO and IATA classify fuel quality as non-negotiable. Their guidelines warn that contaminated or off-spec fuel can cause engine flameouts, corrosion and catastrophic failure.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) are mandated to enforce fuel quality standards. While regulators have intensified inspections and sanctions, industry players say stronger coordination and monitoring are needed.
The Cost of Inaction
Beyond commercial losses, unchecked fuel malpractice threatens Nigeria’s ambition to become a West African aviation hub. Safety reputation, once damaged, is difficult to restore.
For experts, the solution lies in awareness, strict enforcement and ethical business conduct. As Ogungbangbe warned, “When it comes to aviation, compromise is not an option.”
