The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified efforts to modernise airport operations and strengthen environmental sustainability with the deployment of electric bikes for Airside Marshallers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
The initiative, which officially commenced on March 3, 2026, forms part of FAAN’s broader strategy to improve operational efficiency, enhance airside safety, and align Nigeria’s aviation industry with global environmental standards.
Under the programme, electric bikes have been deployed across the international terminal of MMIA, the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), and MM2, replacing the conventional petrol-powered motorcycles previously used by airside personnel for operational duties.
Airport officials said the transition to electric mobility has significantly improved the movement and response time of Airside Marshallers, enabling them to navigate operational zones faster and perform critical airport functions with greater efficiency.
The deployment is expected to strengthen coordination on the airside, reduce delays in operational activities, and improve overall service delivery within one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs.
Industry stakeholders described the initiative as a forward-looking step capable of positioning Nigerian airports among emerging environmentally conscious aviation facilities globally.
Beyond operational improvements, FAAN said the introduction of electric bikes represents a major milestone in MMIA’s environmental sustainability journey, particularly under the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme of the Airports Council International (ACI).
According to the authority, replacing internal combustion engine motorcycles with electric alternatives directly eliminates Scope 1 carbon emissions generated from airside mobility operations.
This reduction is considered a critical requirement for achieving and sustaining Level 2 (Reduction) accreditation under the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation framework while paving the way for progression toward higher certification levels, including Optimisation, Neutrality, and Transition.
FAAN noted that the measurable reduction in ground-support emissions contributes positively to MMIA’s certified carbon footprint inventory and reinforces the airport’s compliance with internationally recognised sustainability benchmarks.
The authority added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability standards promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Aviation analysts believe the adoption of electric-powered operational equipment reflects a growing recognition within the Nigerian aviation industry that future airport competitiveness will increasingly depend on sustainability, energy efficiency, and adherence to global climate commitments.
Experts also noted that airports worldwide are accelerating the transition toward low-emission technologies as part of broader efforts to achieve net-zero carbon targets and reduce the environmental impact of aviation operations.
For FAAN, the electric bike initiative is seen as another practical demonstration of its determination to modernise airport infrastructure, improve operational standards, and support greener aviation practices across the country.
The development comes amid increasing calls for African airports to embrace cleaner technologies and sustainable operational systems capable of enhancing efficiency while supporting global climate action objectives.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has introduced electric bikes for Airside Marshallers at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce carbon emissions in line with global aviation sustainability standards.
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