Eterna Plc, a Nigerian integrated energy company led by oil magnate Gabriel Ogbochie, has begun Jet-A1 fuel operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. This transaction represents a significant extension of the company’s aviation fuel services business.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Abiola Lawal, Managing Director and CEO of Eterna, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative, highlighting the company’s dedication to providing premium jet fuel services. “This marks a new chapter for Eterna in jet fuel operations,” Lawal said, emphasizing the company’s goal of providing exceptional service to airline customers.
The news follows the completion of the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2) facility, which has a storage capacity of 15 million liters of Jet-A1 fuel, which is required for airplanes. JUHI-2, Nigeria’s largest airside jet fuel station, puts Eterna as a leader in aviation fuel distribution in the country.
The JUHI-2 plant, inaugurated by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has the capacity to supply 150 million liters of aviation fuel per month, accounting for 20% of Nigeria’s annual jet fuel sales. This facility is the product of a combined effort by industry titans such as Masters Energy Oil & Gas and Techno Oil & Gas.
Lawal stated, “Eterna Plc is pleased to announce two significant milestones in our journey through the aircraft fueling market. Following the successful activation of JUHI-2, we now have full regulatory authority to begin in-plane operations.” He underscored the company’s commitment to provide safe and dependable fueling services for airlines.
Established in 1989 as Eterna Oil & Gas Limited, the company has expanded into lubricant manufacture, chemicals, crude trading, and retail network activities. The company is strategically preparing itself for future expansion across the energy value chain, with aspirations to enter midstream and upstream operations.
In 2017, Eterna, led by Gabriel Ogbochie (62.82% interest), obtained an exclusive license to produce and distribute BP-Castrol lubricants in Nigeria.
In 2021, Rainoil Limited purchased a majority share in Eterna Plc for $26.1 million, strengthening the company’s position in the oil and energy sector. With these strategic initiatives, Eterna is well-positioned to address the expanding needs of the aviation industry while also increasing its overall market presence.
