In a decisive move toward environmental accountability, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has pledged that Nigeria’s aviation industry will champion green innovation and sustainable practices in the face of intensifying global climate change demands.
Keyamo made the declaration while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change during a courtesy visit to his ministry in Abuja. He stressed the need for the sector to evolve in line with global environmental benchmarks such as the Paris Agreement and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
“Our growing aviation industry must balance the need for development with the imperative to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices,” the minister asserted.
Keyamo outlined the progress already made, citing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) 6% reduction in carbon emissions at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. This achievement earned the airport a Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation under ICAO’s global standard.
He further disclosed plans to push Lagos airport to Level 3 accreditation, while airports in Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt aim for Level 1. The minister also noted the role of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in pushing for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and compliance with CORSIA, in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change.
Keyamo urged the National Assembly to work closely with the ministry to drive legislative reforms, support private sector partnerships, and ensure policy alignment for an environmentally responsible aviation sector.
“This visit marks a critical step toward our shared vision,” Keyamo concluded. “With coordinated action, Nigeria’s aviation sector can become a global model for sustainability and climate resilience.”
