Experts Express Concern Over the Growing Number of Aviation Fuel Marketers

Aviation and oil industry experts have urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to take urgent steps to regulate the growing number of aviation fuel marketers supplying airlines across the country.

They warned that the rapid increase in marketers has led to black market activities, raising serious safety concerns for the flying public.

According to industry stakeholders, the sector once had only six licensed marketers, but the number has now surged to about 45 — a situation that has cast doubts on the quality of aviation fuel available. They called for stronger oversight to safeguard the industry from potential risks.

Speaking at a forum hosted by CITA Energies over the weekend, the company’s Managing Director, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, expressed concern that aviation fuel marketers now outnumber operating airlines in Nigeria. He appealed to the NCAA to urgently review the number of licensed operators across airports, noting that poor control measures have created room for quality lapses.

He said, “Our industry is growing, but we are struggling due to weak regulation. We used to have about six fuel marketers; now there are around 45. While competition is good, the growing number is affecting product quality.”

Similarly, Chris Ndulue, Chairman of Ndano Energy and former Managing Director of Arik Air, decried the rising black market for aviation fuel, warning that if not curbed, it could pose a serious threat to flight safety.

Ndulue explained that the low entry barriers in the market have allowed smaller, unqualified players to emerge, some of whom engage in illegal fuel diversion and resale. He emphasized the need for the NCAA to tighten its regulatory framework and closely monitor every stage of the supply chain — from procurement to delivery — to ensure product integrity.

“The black market is growing because too many small marketers are entering the business without proper oversight,” he said. “We must ensure that aviation fuel operations guarantee safety, security, and quality. Regulations should be strengthened to protect both airlines and passengers.”

He noted that some airports now have as many as 30 marketers, citing Enugu Airport as an example, where five operate — a number he described as excessive for its size. He also called for better collaboration among marketers to improve industry standards.

Efforts to reach Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the NCAA, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages on the matter.

In a separate position paper, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) pledged to improve standards in the aviation fuel sector by ensuring that only qualified and compliant players are licensed to operate.

FAAN’s spokesperson, Henry Agbebire, stated, “We are working with regulators to streamline and accredit fuel marketers so that only competent operators remain in the Jet A-1 business. This will enhance transparency and create a fair operating environment. We also encourage collaboration among marketers to shift focus from competition for volume to cooperation for quality and sustainability.”

He added that FAAN would continue providing essential infrastructure, including improved airside access and modern storage facilities, while exploring innovations such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in partnership with progressive marketers.

“FAAN remains committed to being an enabler and partner in building a stronger, cleaner, and more resilient aviation fuel ecosystem in Nigeria,” Agbebire concluded.