The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has deepened its commitment to sustainable aviation with the launch of zero-emission electric transit services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja — a strategic move widely regarded as a turning point in Nigeria’s transition toward environmentally responsible airport operations.
The initiative, executed in partnership with Possible Electric Mobility and Zeut Energies, introduces a fleet of electric buses and sedans designed to transport passengers and airport personnel efficiently within the airport ecosystem. By replacing fossil-fuel powered vehicles with electric alternatives, FAAN aims to drastically reduce carbon emissions, lower operational costs over time, and align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global climate-smart standards.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. The event attracted FAAN directors, general managers, departmental heads, aviation stakeholders and representatives of partner organisations.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Ganduje described the electric mobility project as a bold infrastructure modernisation step that reflects FAAN’s responsiveness to global environmental demands. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining policies that encourage renewable energy adoption and lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for driving progressive reforms within the aviation industry. He further acknowledged FAAN’s management and technical partners for delivering a project that blends innovation with long-term sustainability goals.
In her remarks, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku reiterated FAAN’s broader energy-transition agenda, noting that the Authority has already implemented energy-efficient lighting systems, solar-powered terminal illumination and improved waste recycling processes across several airports.
According to her, the deployment of electric transit vehicles is part of a nationwide blueprint to embed sustainability into airport management and operational culture.
Industry experts have also weighed in on the development, describing it as both environmentally and economically strategic.
Economist Celestine Ukpong stated that beyond its environmental value, the initiative could yield significant macroeconomic benefits. He explained that reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles could improve FAAN’s financial efficiency while encouraging local investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Ukpong added that the project positions Nigeria to attract green financing and climate-linked international partnerships, which are increasingly becoming key drivers of global capital flows.
Similarly, Peter Adebayo, FCA, a financial and corporate governance expert, emphasised the long-term fiscal prudence of the transition. He noted that while the initial capital investment in electric mobility may appear substantial, the lifecycle savings and reputational gains for FAAN far outweigh the upfront expenditure.
According to Adebayo, environmentally responsible projects enhance institutional credibility, strengthen investor confidence and improve compliance with emerging global ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards that influence funding decisions and international collaborations.
The launch event concluded with a guided inspection of the electric buses and sedans by Dr. Ganduje, Mrs. Kuku and other stakeholders, offering firsthand insight into the vehicles’ advanced features and operational efficiency. Observers noted that the initiative is expected to improve passenger movement logistics while significantly cutting emissions within airport premises.
With the rollout of zero-emission transit services, FAAN is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable airport management, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly aviation practices in West Africa and reinforcing Nigeria’s growing commitment to the global green transition.
FAAN launches zero-emission electric transit services at Abuja Airport, earning praise from economists and financial experts as Nigeria advances sustainable aviation and green infrastructure development.
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