The Federal Government has deployed 10 electric shuttle buses and 20 electric sedans at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and modernise airport operations.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Board Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Abdullahi Ganduje, said the deployment marked an important milestone in FAAN’s ongoing drive to improve service delivery and align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global best practices.
He said the initiative demonstrated a clear commitment to modernising airport logistics and strengthening efficiency across airside and landside operations.
“It is my pleasure to be part of this momentous occasion marking the official deployment of electric vehicles at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“As part of this deployment, FAAN is introducing 10 electric shuttle buses and 20 electric saloon vehicles into airport operations.
“These vehicles will support airside and land side logistics, staff movement, and services, strengthening passenger coordination and efficiency across the airport,” he said.
Ganduje noted that electric vehicles offer significant operational and environmental advantages, describing them as cleaner, quieter and more energy-efficient, with the capacity to substantially reduce carbon emissions and minimise FAAN’s ecological footprint.
He added that the adoption of electric vehicles would contribute to healthier airport environments and provide a more comfortable experience for workers and travellers alike.
“This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets, including International Civil Aviation Organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“By embracing electric mobility, FAAN is positioning Nigerian airports to remain competitive, responsible and future-ready.”
The FAAN chairman also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s strong backing of aviation sector reforms.
“The progress we are witnessing today reflects a clear policy direction that prioritises efficiency, sustainability, and institutional renewal,” he said.
He affirmed that the FAAN board was committed to ensuring the programme would be effectively utilised, properly maintained and progressively expanded to other airports nationwide. Ganduje stressed that the deployment at NAIA was not an endpoint, but the foundation for a more modern and resilient airport logistics system.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said approval had been secured to deploy 100 electric vehicles as part of a broader strategy anchored on partnership and innovation.
She said the electric vehicles would operate as airport shuttles at both the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to her, the launch of the 10 state-of-the-art electric shuttle buses at NAIA, as the first phase of the programme, represents a major step towards greening airport operations and reducing carbon emissions across the nation’s airports.
“They (EVs) represent more than just transport; they symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a commitment to pioneering sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation.
“This partnership is a testament to what is possible when the public and private sectors align with a shared vision.
“ FAAN has always prioritised passenger comfort, safety, and seamless airport experience, and today’s official launch of our electric shuttle buses and cabs is a further, powerful demonstration of that commitment to service towards sustainable future.”
Mrs Kuku said FAAN was also focused on improving the welfare and capacity of its workforce, while raising service standards for passengers using the nation’s airports.
“ We confronted this task with clear eyes, acknowledging the very real challenges of ageing and obsolete facilities.
“But with the unwavering support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and our dynamic Honourable Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, we have truly caught the wind in our sails.
“We are navigating boldly and heading firmly in the right direction. A cornerstone of our strategy has been opening FAAN to innovative partnerships with the private sector. This collaborative approach has already yielded significant strides,” he said.
She added that FAAN was working towards establishing a network of clean energy solutions across all Nigerian airports, including solar power and comprehensive electric vehicle infrastructure, positioning the authority as a leader in eco-friendly aviation management in Africa.
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