The federal government has committed to promoting green investment and innovation to create a sustainable aviation sector in the nation’s airports. Aviation minister Festus Keyamo stated this in his opening remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Keyamo noted that this aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and foster environmentally responsible practices within the Nigerian aviation industry. The minister said the  achievements  of  carbon emission management at NAIA would be viewed as a blueprint for rollout across the nation’s international gateways.

Mr Keyamo commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for the visionary initiative in convening the forum and its commitment to the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

According to him, achieving ACA certification for NAIA will be a powerful signal to the world, as Nigeria is open for sustainable business, and can be accomplished through the combined efforts of stakeholders.

 The minister observed that the complex ecosystem of an airport meant that emissions were generated from a multitude of sources, like aircraft landing and take-off cycles operated by  airline partners and ground support equipment powered by our handlers. Others he mentioned include vehicular traffic from staff and passengers, as well as the energy footprint of concessions and catering services.

The minister urged stakeholders to let the outcomes of the engagement serve as a catalyst for a new chapter in the Nigerian aviation sector, where growth and sustainability are mutually reinforcing objectives.

He stated that the federal government, as a driver of economic growth, connectivity, and national development, would continue to address environmental impact with utmost seriousness.

Mr Keyamo called for the formation of a technical working group, stemming from the meeting, with representatives from every stakeholder organisation present, to be tasked with developing a concrete, costed, and time-bound Action Plan for NAIA.

FAAN managing director, Olubunmi Kuku, said the Airports Council International had developed a robust programme, the Airport Carbon Accreditation, to address climate change at the nation’s airports.

Mr Kuku, who was represented by Luqman Emiola, director of Human Resources and Administration in FAAN, said ACA would be for airports to measure, report, monitor, and manage carbon emissions from the airport operations.

According to her, the forum is expected to help FAAN, as the airport operator, understand stakeholders’ emission management measures so that they can be integrated into the FAAN carbon management plan for the airport, where necessary.

Mr Kuku added that each airport had its own peculiar carbon management approach, regardless of the airports’ similarities.

She described climate change as a threat to the global aviation industry if not properly managed, with potential negative ripple effects on a nation’s business and livelihood.

(NAN)