The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has raised serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel, warning that the situation poses significant risks to flight safety and threatens the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NAAPE President, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, said the persistent fuel supply disruptions have led to widespread flight delays and operational challenges, forcing pilots and engineers to work beyond scheduled duty hours.
According to him, the resulting fatigue among crew members represents a major safety hazard, as it can impair cognitive performance, slow reaction times, and reduce situational awareness—critical elements required for safe flight operations.
“The safety of passengers is directly impacted when crew members are compelled to operate under physically and mentally exhausting conditions”, Gindeh stated.
Gindeh further noted that the crisis is placing heavy financial strain on airline operators, as grounded or delayed flights continue to generate losses while operational costs remain unchanged. This, he said, has begun to affect aviation workers through delayed salaries, wage cuts, and declining welfare conditions.
He warned that such economic pressures could lead to increased distraction among aviation personnel, further compounding safety risks within the sector.
The association also expressed concern over early signs of operational cutbacks by airlines, citing the recent decision by Rano Air to reduce its routes as an indication of the growing impact of the fuel shortage.
He cautioned that if the crisis persists, more carriers may be forced to scale down operations or shut down entirely, potentially resulting in job losses and disruptions to air travel across the country.
Highlighting the strategic importance of aviation to national development, the NAAPE President stressed that the sector plays a vital role in driving trade, tourism, and connectivity, warning that prolonged instability could have far-reaching consequences for the Nigerian economy.
The association called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other key stakeholders to urgently intervene and resolve the fuel supply crisis.
“Aviation safety is non-negotiable. The lives of Nigerians in the air depend on swift and decisive action”, the NAAPE president emphasised.