Nigeria Unveils Plan To Decarbonise Abuja Airport Operations
THE Federal Government has announced plans to begin the decarbonisation of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, as part of broader efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the move reflects Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable airport operations and reducing carbon emissions across the aviation industry.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on carbon emissions management held in Abuja and organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Keyamo, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said the government is prioritising measures that align with global climate action goals.
“The global aviation community stands at a crossroads. On one hand, we are drivers of economic growth and connectivity, but on the other hand, we are duty-bound to address our environmental impact with utmost seriousness,” Keyamo said.
He emphasised that the ministry is exploring several green initiatives, including the electrification of aprons and terminals, the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) corridors, and waste-to-energy projects aimed at cutting carbon emissions in airport operations.
“For Nigeria, a nation poised for exponential growth in air travel and trade, embedding sustainability into our aviation infrastructure is not optional — it is an imperative for long-term prosperity,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said climate change poses a major threat to the aviation industry, warning that its impact could have negative ripple effects on businesses and livelihoods if not properly managed.
Represented by the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Luqman Eniola, Kuku reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across its airports through targeted decarbonisation initiatives.
“This forum will help FAAN identify emission management measures that can be integrated into our carbon management plan for the airport,” she explained.
Kuku revealed that FAAN, in collaboration with the Carbon Emission Reduction Committee (CERC), has conducted emission mapping in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt airports.
According to her, findings from the Lagos airport showed that electricity consumption accounted for about 90 percent of total emissions between 2017 and 2023.
“We have already begun implementing emission reduction measures at Lagos airport, and similar actions will be incorporated into the reconstruction and expansion of terminal buildings in other airports,” Kuku said.
She added that FAAN is determined to work closely with all stakeholders in achieving a net-zero emissions target, beginning with the Abuja airport project.
“The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is crucial to our sustainability agenda. We cannot walk this path alone — we need every stakeholder to join us in this journey,” she concluded.
The meeting brought together key players in the aviation and environmental sectors to discuss strategies for integrating green technologies, improving energy efficiency, and building climate-resilient airport infrastructure in Nigeria.
