Aviation fuel experts and industry stakeholders have called for urgent government intervention to revive the long-abandoned 98-kilometre Atlas Cove–Mosimi–Ejigbo–Murtala Muhammed Airport pipeline as part of broader efforts to reduce the cost of aviation fuel and strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at a Colloquium on the Aviation Fuel Value Chain in Nigeria, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe, Managing Director of CITA Energies Limited, emphasised that restoring the critical pipeline would not only improve operational efficiency but also remove at least 100 fuel tankers from Lagos roads daily, significantly easing traffic congestion and safety risks.
“The 98-kilometre pipeline, installed decades ago from Atlas Cove through Mosimi Depot and Ejigbo Depot to Lagos Airport, is still in place,” Dr Ogungbangbe explained. “If proper pressure testing and pegging are carried out in partnership with the private sector, we can revive it. This will cut costs and restore efficiency across the aviation fuel distribution system.”
According to him, the pipeline was decommissioned in 1998 following an accident but has remained untouched since then. Ogungbangbe argued that its restoration would not only reduce transportation costs but also save millions of dollars currently spent importing and freighting aviation fuel from neighbouring countries like Togo.
He noted that with the collaboration of key government agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the project could be revitalised to serve both the existing airport and new refineries.
“If this pipeline is restored, we can reduce the cost of aviation fuel by as much as ₦30–₦40 per litre,” Ogungbangbe asserted. “This will directly benefit airlines, passengers, and even stimulate job creation in the aviation sector.”
The CITA Energies boss disclosed that it currently costs about $500,000 to berth a vessel bringing fuel into the country — costs that contribute significantly to high jet fuel prices. He added that though the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had improved product availability, its pricing structure had yet to make a substantial difference.
“Dangote Refinery has been a blessing in terms of availability, but the pricing is still similar to what we get from imported products,” he said. “Many marketers still import because they can land products cheaper.”
Also speaking at the colloquium, Mr Chris Ndulue, Chief Executive Officer of Ndano Energy and former Managing Director of Arik Air, called for greater cooperation among aviation fuel marketers to ensure financial stability and prevent the emergence of a black market.
“It’s an anomaly that Nigeria has 36 aviation fuel marketers and only eight airlines,” Ndulue observed. “That makes the market weak and financially unhealthy. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) needs to start assessing the financial health of marketers just as it does for airlines.”
He warned that the financial fragility of marketers could push some operators into sourcing fuel through illegal means, leading to a growing black market for aviation fuel.
“We’re already seeing aviation fuel being sold in jerry cans — stolen and uncertified products,” he cautioned. “That’s dangerous for the industry and requires immediate regulatory attention.”
Ndulue, however, noted that the increased local production of aviation fuel had made regulation easier and improved traceability. “About 90 percent of aviation fuel now comes from Dangote Refinery, which helps ensure product quality and regulatory oversight,” he said.
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