Authority, Zuid Energies Target Electric Taxis Deployment Across Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is partnering with Zuid Energies Limited, a new-energy mobility and infrastructure company, to deploy electric taxi services across the airports in Nigeria.

The deployment will begin with a pilot phase in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria’s two busiest international gateways.

Recall that Zuid Energies had deployed 20 electric taxis for operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, last week.

Speaking on the deployment, the managing director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, said, “We are partnering with Zuid Energy and Possible Electric. They would actually be operating the buses and the taxis. This is a private sector-led initiative where the partners will be operating the shuttles between the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the city point.”

The chief executive officer of Zuid Energies Limited, Ogochukwu Abiakam, revealed this in an interview with journalists, saying that the initiative is designed to modernise airport ground transportation while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition and economic development goals.

He said the Abuja and Lagos locations will serve as test beds for operational efficiency, passenger adoption, and infrastructure readiness, noting that following successful implementation, the model will be expanded to other FAAN-owned airports nationwide.

He said Zuid Energies plans a phased deployment approach, stating that fleet size will grow in response to passenger demand, performance data, and charging infrastructure availability—ensuring reliability and service quality from day one.

He further said all operations are conducted in partnership with FAAN and in full alignment with airport transport regulations, ensuring seamless integration into existing airport ecosystems.

He said electric vehicles are often perceived as premium offerings and Zuid Energies is positioning affordability as a core principle.

According to him, by leveraging the lower operating and maintenance costs of electric vehicles, the company aims to stabilise pricing over the long term—protecting passengers from fuel price volatility.

He said a key aspect of the initiative is its collaborative approach with existing airport taxi operators, noting that “Rather than displacing current players, Zuid Energies is developing a transition model that allows traditional operators to participate in the EV ecosystem.

“This includes: fleet conversion opportunities, driver integration and training programmes, partnership-based operating models.

“The goal is to ensure that the shift to electric mobility is inclusive, sustainable, and economically beneficial for all stakeholders.

“Zuid Energies’ electric taxi service introduces several differentiators to airport transportation in Nigeria: brand new, fully electric vehicles, professionally trained and uniformed drivers, a fully cashless payment system, digital booking, tracking, and centralised dispatch.

“Beyond vehicles, Zuid Energies is investing in a full electric mobility ecosystem. This includes:

Dedicated EV charging stations in Abuja and Lagos. This ecosystem approach ensures operational resilience and lays the foundation for long-term expansion.”

Speaking on the diversion to electric vehicles, Abiakam said, “Electric vehicles represent a strategic opportunity for Nigeria’s transportation sector. Their adoption offers multiple national benefits, including:

Reduced dependence on imported refined fuel, lower operating costs for transport services.”