The Chairman of CITA Energies Limited, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, has called for the immediate restoration of Nigeria’s Jet A-1 (aviation fuel) pipeline from Atlas Cove to the airports, describing it as a national economic priority that could save millions of dollars annually and ease traffic congestion on Lagos roads.
Speaking at the CITA Energies Colloquium held on October 23, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos, with the theme “Aviation Fuel Business in Nigeria: The Scenario and the Metaphor,” Ogungbangbe said reviving the fuel pipeline and related infrastructure would significantly reduce operational costs, improve efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability within the aviation sector.
“Nothing is wrong with the pipeline,” he stated. “With proper pressure testing and government cooperation, restoration is possible. If we can revive that line, it will take no fewer than 100 fuel trucks off Lagos roads daily. All that’s needed is to receive vessels from Atlas Cove directly into the airport without road movement or traffic disruption.”
Pipeline Closure and Missed Opportunities
The CITA Energies boss recalled that the pipeline had served the industry efficiently until an accident in 1998 prompted the government to shut it down.
“That pipeline was functional and effectively managed until an incident led to its closure,” he explained. “We need to revisit that decision now that technology and safety standards have improved.”
Ogungbangbe said restoring the line would improve aviation fuel distribution, enhance safety, and reduce dependence on road tankers, which currently expose operators and commuters to high transportation risks.
Refining Capacity and Self-Sufficiency
He lamented that despite owning multiple refineries since the 1970s, Nigeria only recently began producing Jet A-1 locally, while past operations focused mainly on household kerosene.
“Nigeria never produced jet fuel consistently until recently,” he noted. “What we produced was domestic kerosene, which shares similar hydrocarbon structure with Jet A-1 that’s why the products are in the same family. We must shift from dependency to productivity.”
Ogungbangbe stressed that refining and storage capacity should be regarded as national strategic assets rather than purely commercial ventures, insisting that energy independence is crucial for aviation sustainability.
Economic and Operational Losses
Highlighting the economic impact of inadequate infrastructure, Ogungbangbe disclosed that before the Dangote Refinery began operations, companies were spending up to $500,000 monthly importing aviation fuel from Togo.
“Before the advent of Dangote Refinery, we were spending not less than half a million dollars every month bringing in products from Togo,” he said. “The irony is that the same water we use for importation is right in front of us in Nigeria. We are simply exporting opportunities.”
He added that Togo currently serves as the regional hub for Jet A-1 importation into West and Central Africa a position Nigeria could easily reclaim with the right infrastructure and policy support.
Maritime Support and Industrial Capacity
Ogungbangbe also bemoaned the loss of potential revenue from the maritime sector, revealing that most vessels lifting petroleum products from Nigeria go abroad for dry docking and maintenance.
“Most ships that lift products from Nigeria go to other countries for dry docking, paying as much as €800,000 for two weeks of service in places like Senegal,” he said. “These are lost opportunities we can recover by developing local ship repair and maintenance facilities.”
He urged the government and private sector to invest in shipyards, docks, and repair facilities, which he said would complement aviation logistics and create jobs for Nigerians.
Safety, Modernization, and Future Growth
On modernizing aviation fuel operations, Ogungbangbe advocated for the installation of hydrant refueling systems in both existing and new airports to boost safety and operational efficiency.
“Building hydrant systems into our airports will eliminate the safety risks associated with manual pipeline operations,” he said. “It will make refueling smoother and more secure.”
The CITA Energies Chairman emphasized the need for collaboration across aviation, maritime, and energy sectors, arguing that Nigeria’s transport and logistics future depends on unified national planning.
He projected that Jet A-1 demand in Nigeria will rise sharply in the coming decades, driven by population and economic growth.
“With a population of about 250 million, even if 10 percent travel regularly, that’s 25 million travelers,” he noted. “If we project for the next 20 years, the growth potential is enormous. We must start preparing our infrastructure now.”
