Full Breakdown
Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Grapples with Deepening Jet Fuel Shortage
4/28/2026, 5:34:12 AM
Fuel Shortage Disrupts Flights
A shortage of Jet A-1 fuel has forced airlines to delay, reschedule or cancel flights at Lagos, Abuja and other hubs. Air Peace cut its Abuja–London service to three weekly flights until 1 July 2026.
Causes and Price Surge
The shortage follows the 2023-24 US-Israel conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Jet A-1 prices rose from N900 per litre in February to N3,300 per litre in April, a jump of 300 percent.
Stakeholders, Debt and Government Relief
Airlines owe over N9 billion to ground-handling firms represented by the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN). President Bola Tinubu’s administration approved a 30 percent discount on airline debts to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. Airlines also seek a waiver of debts to FAAN, NCAA and NAMA.
Recent Timeline
- 21 April 2026 – AGHAN warned that services may be withdrawn if the N9 billion debt is not cleared within seven days.
- 30 April 2026 – President Tinubu approved a 30 percent discount on airline debts to aviation agencies.
Operational Impact
The fuel gap has left passengers stranded for hours and forced airlines to cut capacity on domestic and international routes. If AGHAN members suspend services, baggage handling, ramp access and refuelling coordination could be disrupted.
Official Statements
Air Peace said fuel availability has impacted scheduled departures and apologized. The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Minister Festus Keyamo, said it is negotiating with oil marketers and secured 30 percent debt discount.
Industry Critique
Aviation analyst Fred Chukwuelobe warned that blaming Air Peace distracts from the crisis, which stems from fuel prices, refining limits, geopolitical tensions and supply-chain fragility. He urged focus on local refining capacity and supply-chain resilience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The letter read in part: “This situation has continued to exert significant pressure on the operational capacity of our members, adversely affecting their ability to deliver sustainable, efficient and safe services.” — AGHAN, Letter to AON
- “In light of the foregoing, and to safeguard the continued viability of our members’ operations, we wish to respectfully notify you that our members may be constrained to withdraw services should these outstanding debts remain unresolved within seven days from the date of this letter.” — AGHAN, Letter to AON
- “Across the world, airlines are battling the same headwinds: volatile fuel prices, refining limitations, geopolitical uncertainties, and post-pandemic supply chain fragility.” — Fred Chukwuelobe, Aviation Analyst
- “Fuel availability remains limited, which has impacted scheduled departures,” — Air Peace, Official Statement
Outlook
The government talks with oil marketers to stabilise supply while AGHAN may suspend services if the N9 billion debt remains unpaid.
