Aviation and energy experts have expressed growing concern over the increasing number of aviation fuel marketers in Nigeria, warning that the unregulated expansion could compromise fuel quality and pose safety risks to the flying public.
Industry stakeholders have urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to tighten regulatory oversight, noting that the number of licensed marketers has surged from six to about 45 in recent years — a development many fear is encouraging black-market operations and substandard practices.
Speaking at a forum organized by CITA Energies over the weekend, the company’s Managing Director, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, lamented that the number of fuel marketers now exceeds the number of active airlines in the country. He called on the NCAA to urgently review and rationalize the number of licensed operators across Nigerian airports.
“Our industry is growing, but we are groaning due to inadequate control,” Ogungbangbe said. “We used to have about six fuel marketers, but now we have around 45. While this seems good for competition, it has created serious concerns about the quality of aviation fuel being supplied.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ndano Energy and former Managing Director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, decried the rise of a black market for aviation fuel, warning that the trend could escalate into a major safety issue if not swiftly addressed.
Ndulue attributed the problem to weak entry barriers that have allowed small, unqualified operators into the market, some of whom allegedly engage in fuel theft and illicit resale.
“The black market is growing because of the proliferation of small marketers,” Ndulue said. “We must ensure the business guarantees safety, security, and quality. The NCAA must strengthen its regulatory framework to monitor the supply chain — from procurement to delivery — to safeguard the integrity of aviation fuel.”
He added that some airports now host as many as 30 fuel marketers, far more than the operational demand, citing Enugu Airport, which reportedly has five different suppliers serving a limited number of airlines.
“It’s becoming excessive,” he warned. “We must move from unhealthy competition to strategic collaboration to ensure consistent standards and safety.”
Efforts to reach NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his phone were not answered.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has pledged to collaborate with regulators to enhance oversight in the aviation fuel sector.
In a position paper obtained by The PUNCH, FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire said the authority would work to ensure that only competent and compliant marketers operate within Nigerian airports.
“We will collaborate with regulators to streamline and accredit aviation fuel marketers, ensuring that only qualified operators are allowed in the Jet A-1 business,” Agbebire stated. “We are also promoting cooperation among marketers to shift focus from competition for volume to cooperation for quality and sustainability.”
He added that FAAN would continue to provide enabling infrastructure, including modern storage facilities and improved airside access, while encouraging innovation and early adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in partnership with forward-thinking marketers.
“FAAN is committed to fostering a cleaner, safer, and more resilient aviation fuel ecosystem,” he affirmed.