The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced a phased transition to electric mobility across the nation’s airports, rolling out electric shuttle buses and taxi services in partnership with private-sector operators as part of a broader push to modernise airport operations, improve passenger experience, and cut carbon emissions.
The initiative formally took off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, with the deployment of 10 electric shuttle buses and 20 electric saloon vehicles to support both airside and landside operations, including staff movement, passenger coordination, and airport logistics. Lagos airports are next in line, with Abuja and Lagos serving as pilot locations ahead of nationwide expansion.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, FAAN Board Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, described the deployment as a milestone in Nigeria’s aviation modernisation drive, noting that electric vehicles offer cleaner, quieter, and more energy-efficient alternatives that align with global sustainability targets, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
He said the programme represents a foundation for a more resilient and future-ready airport logistics system and will be gradually expanded to other airports across the country.
FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed that approval has been secured for the deployment of up to 100 electric vehicles across key airports, stressing that the programme reflects FAAN’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and improved service delivery.
“These electric buses and taxis represent more than transport. They symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a commitment to sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation,” she said, adding that the initiative is being driven through public-private partnerships to ensure efficiency and scalability.
A key private-sector partner in the programme is Zuid Energies Limited, a new-energy mobility and infrastructure company, which has begun deploying electric taxis for airport-city shuttle services, starting with Abuja and Lagos. The company recently rolled out 20 electric taxis at NAIA as part of the pilot phase.
Chief Executive Officer of Zuid Energies, Ogochukwu Abiakam, said the initiative is designed to modernise airport ground transportation while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition and economic development goals.
According to him, Abuja and Lagos will serve as test beds for passenger adoption, operational efficiency, and charging infrastructure readiness, after which the model will be expanded to other FAAN-owned airports nationwide.
Abiakam explained that the deployment will follow a phased approach, with fleet size scaling based on passenger demand, performance data, and infrastructure availability, while maintaining service reliability from day one. He added that all operations are fully aligned with FAAN’s transport regulations to ensure seamless integration into existing airport ecosystems.
Addressing concerns around affordability and industry disruption, Abiakam said Zuid Energies is positioning cost stability as a core principle of its electric taxi service, leveraging lower operating and maintenance costs of electric vehicles to protect passengers from fuel price volatility.
He further noted that the company is working collaboratively with existing airport taxi operators through a transition model that includes fleet conversion opportunities, driver integration and training programmes, and partnership-based operating structures to ensure the shift to electric mobility is inclusive and economically beneficial.
Beyond vehicle deployment, Zuid Energies is investing in a supporting electric mobility ecosystem, including dedicated charging stations in Abuja and Lagos, digital booking and cashless payment systems, centralised dispatch, and professionally trained drivers.
Industry stakeholders say the combined FAAN-led policy framework and private-sector investment signal a significant step toward cleaner, more efficient airport operations, positioning Nigeria’s aviation sector to remain competitive while advancing national sustainability and energy diversification objectives.
