Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable aviation development by hosting a high-level regional workshop on Access to Finance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production in Lagos from May 5 to 9, 2025.
The five-day hybrid workshop, themed “Access to Finance for SAF Production”, was organized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), under the Assistance, Capacity Building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Africa–India Project.
Coordinated by Mrs. Yinka Iriobe of the NCAA’s Directorate of Air Transport Regulations, the event gathered key stakeholders from 14 African nations, international financial institutions, SAF project developers, and global aviation regulators.
The workshop addressed critical challenges surrounding SAF project financing in Africa, focusing on investment risks, de-risking strategies, and project bankability. Participants also examined the SAF direct supply chain, financial assessment tools, and available financing instruments for sustainable aviation initiatives across the continent.
Nigeria Advances Domestic SAF Roadmap
A significant highlight was the two-day Nigeria Engagement on SAF, which spotlighted the country’s roadmap for developing a sustainable aviation fuel sector. During this session, Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of NCAA, officially inaugurated six Technical Working Groups (TWGs) dedicated to driving Nigeria’s SAF agenda forward.
The newly established TWGs will oversee key areas including:
Policy and Regulation
Feedstock and Production
Funding and Investment
Technology and Innovation
Environmental and Social Impact
Infrastructure and Logistics
“These working groups will serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s sustainable aviation fuel framework, helping to position the country as a leader in Africa’s SAF transition,” Capt. Najomo stated in his remarks, delivered by Barr. (Mrs.) Bukola Teriba, NCAA Regional Manager, Lagos Office.
He emphasized the vital role of financial access in SAF production and its alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Key Outcomes and International Collaboration
Supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), EU delegations, and other global stakeholders, the workshop provided a platform to share best practices, map financial stakeholders, and enhance collaboration on sustainable aviation fuel financing solutions for Africa.
The event’s discussions are expected to fast-track regional efforts toward reducing aviation’s environmental footprint and promoting low-carbon growth within the African air transport industry.
