FG appoints focal persons to tackle Jet A1 fuel crisis

The federal government has appointed designated focal persons representing airlines, fuel marketers, regulators and government as part of urgent efforts to address the rising cost and supply challenges of Jet A1 fuel in Nigeria.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision after a series of high-level meetings in Abuja involving domestic airline operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), major oil marketers and relevant aviation agencies.

According to a statement on Friday by Chindaya Adamu, the ministry director of press, the minister said the newly appointed focal persons are expected to meet within the next 48 to 72 hours to work out a transparent, fair and sustainable pricing framework for aviation fuel.

Keyamo said the intervention was necessary to protect airline operations and passengers from the impact of escalating fuel prices.

“The Federal Government remains committed to maintaining a stable and balanced aviation market,” he said.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s free-market system, the minister stressed that “market forces must not be allowed to undermine public interest or disrupt critical national services.”

He added that regulators would continue to monitor developments in the aviation sector and implement corrective measures where necessary.

Stakeholders at the meeting described the Jet A1 pricing challenge as a major threat to the industry, with airlines warning that persistent increases in fuel costs could disrupt flight operations if no urgent action is taken.