Eterna launches Jet-A1 fuel operations at Lagos airport

Timilehin Adejumobi -
Key Points
  • Eterna launched "into-plane Jet-A1 fuel operations" at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, marking its aviation service growth.
  • The JUHI-2 facility, Nigeria's largest airside jet fuel depot, has a 15 million-liter storage capacity and supplies 150 million liters monthly.
  • Eterna aims to enhance service quality for airlines, emphasizing safety and reliability in its newly approved aviation fueling operations.

Eterna Plc, a Nigerian integrated energy provider led by oil magnate Gabriel Ogbochie, has launched its into-plane Jet-A1 fuel operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. This move marks a significant expansion in the company's aviation fuel services portfolio.

In a statement released on Sunday, Abiola Lawal, Managing Director and CEO of Eterna, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, emphasizing the company's commitment to delivering premium jet fuel services. “This marks a new chapter for Eterna in jet fuel operations,” Lawal stated, highlighting the company's objective to provide unparalleled service to airline customers.

Eterna’s JUHI-2 facility sets aviation standard

The announcement follows the commissioning of the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2) facility, which has a storage capacity of 15 million liters for Jet-A1 fuel, essential for aircraft. As Nigeria's largest airside jet fuel depot, JUHI-2 positions Eterna as a leader in aviation fuel distribution within the country.

Inaugurated by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), the JUHI-2 facility can supply 150 million liters of aviation fuel monthly, accounting for 20 percent of Nigeria’s annual jet fuel sales. This facility is the result of a collaborative effort among industry giants, including Masters Energy Oil & Gas and Techno Oil & Gas.

Lawal remarked, “Eterna Plc is excited to announce two remarkable milestones in our journey within the aviation fueling sector. Following the successful commissioning of JUHI-2, we have now received full regulatory approval to commence into-plane operations.” He emphasized the company's dedication to safe and reliable fueling services for airlines.

Eterna positioned for energy sector growth

Founded in 1989 as Eterna Oil & Gas Limited, Eterna has diversified into lubricant manufacturing, chemicals, crude trading, and retail network operations. The company is strategically positioning itself for further growth across the energy value chain, with plans to expand into midstream and upstream operations.

Under the leadership of Gabriel Ogbochie, who holds a 62.82 percent stake in Eterna, the company secured an exclusive license in 2017 to manufacture and distribute BP-Castrol lubricants in Nigeria.

In 2021, Rainoil Limited acquired a controlling stake worth $26.1 million in Eterna Plc, further solidifying the company's market position in the oil and energy sector. With these strategic initiatives, Eterna is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the aviation sector while enhancing its overall market presence.