Aviation industry stakeholders and oil sector experts have expressed growing concern over the uncontrolled rise in the number of aviation fuel marketers in Nigeria, warning that the development could compromise fuel quality, safety standards, and overall airline operations.
Speaking at an aviation energy forum in Lagos over the weekend, key players in the sector urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to tighten regulatory oversight and restore confidence in the Jet A-1 supply chain.
Until recently, only a handful of companies were licensed to supply aviation fuel to domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria.
However, experts say the number of aviation fuel marketers in Nigeria has surged from six to over 45 within a few years — a trend that industry observers describe as alarming and unsustainable.
Aviation Fuel Marketers in Nigeria: Rising Numbers, Falling Standards
Managing Director of CITA Energies, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, said the exponential increase in the number of aviation fuel marketers has created a regulatory vacuum that encourages unhealthy competition and threatens product quality.
“Our industry used to have only about six licensed aviation fuel marketers, but now we have close to 45.
While competition is good, the problem is that the influx of poorly regulated operators raises concerns about the quality of aviation fuel supplied to airlines,” Ogungbangbe explained.
According to him, the NCAA must review existing regulations to ensure that only technically competent and certified marketers are permitted to supply fuel at airports across the country.
“We are growing, but we are also groaning because of the absence of strict control,” he said.
The issue, experts argue, is not just about numbers — it is about safety.
Jet A-1 fuel contamination has been a recurring concern globally, and Nigeria’s unregulated expansion in this sensitive market could expose airlines and passengers to operational risks.
Black Market Threat in the Aviation Fuel Sector
Former Managing Director of Arik Air and current Chairman of Ndano Energy, Mr. Chris Ndulue, described the situation as “a ticking time bomb.”
He disclosed that the low entry barriers have encouraged a surge in small-scale and unqualified operators, some of whom resort to diverting or adulterating aviation fuel for black market sales.
“There is a growing black market for aviation fuel in Nigeria,” Ndulue warned.
“When unregistered or inexperienced marketers start trading aviation fuel, they compromise safety. We must ensure that every drop of Jet A-1 supplied to airlines meets international standards.”
He urged the NCAA to review its licensing processes and strengthen monitoring from procurement to delivery.
“It’s not just about issuing licences. Regulators must ensure that the entire supply chain — from refinery to aircraft tank — is transparent and verifiable,” he said.
Calls for Stricter Regulation and Collaboration
Industry players emphasized that collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to curbing malpractice among aviation fuel marketers in Nigeria.
They argued that poor coordination between marketers and regulators has contributed to product inconsistencies and safety lapses.
Ndulue noted that airports such as Enugu and Lagos now have multiple marketers competing for limited market share, creating a scenario where some operators prioritize profit over safety.
“At some airports, we have up to 30 aviation fuel marketers. The competition is not healthy; it is excessive and unsustainable,” he said.
He called for a balance between competition and quality assurance, stressing that collaboration — rather than rivalry — should guide market behavior.
FAAN Promises Stricter Oversight and Quality Control
Responding to the growing concerns, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has pledged to enhance oversight of the Jet A-1 market.
In a policy paper obtained by our correspondent, FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire stated that the authority will work closely with the NCAA to accredit and streamline aviation fuel marketers in Nigeria, ensuring only compliant and experienced companies operate at airports.
“FAAN is committed to sanitizing the aviation fuel sector. We will collaborate with regulators to ensure that only competent and compliant marketers are accredited to operate in our airports,” Agbebire said.
He added that the agency aims to encourage partnership among marketers to shift focus from volume competition to quality assurance.
“The market should not be driven by rivalry but by shared standards that prioritize safety, transparency, and sustainability,” he said.
Agbebire also disclosed that FAAN is investing in better fuel storage facilities and airside access infrastructure to improve efficiency and product integrity.
“We are also exploring innovations such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel in partnership with progressive marketers,” he added.
Safeguarding Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
Analysts have commended FAAN’s renewed commitment, noting that improved regulation and quality control could help rebuild confidence among local and international carriers.
Aviation remains one of the most safety-sensitive sectors, and experts insist that any lapse in the fuel supply chain can have grave consequences.
They also called on the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive policy for aviation fuel management that integrates environmental sustainability, transparency, and technological innovation.
As aviation fuel marketers in Nigeria continue to multiply, stakeholders warn that without decisive regulatory action, the industry risks becoming a breeding ground for unsafe practices.
For Nigeria’s aviation sector to maintain its reputation and meet international standards, experts agree that quality control and accountability must become non-negotiable.
