Zuid Energies Limited recently deployed 20 electric vehicles to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in partnership with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The Chief Executive Officer of Zuid Energies, OGOCHUKWU ABIAKAM in an interview with journalists at the sidelines at the event explained the solutions his comonay is bringing to the table, the future plans and the all new experience the electric e-haling vehicles brings to users. Excerpts:
Give us a brief over view of Zuid Energies Limited collaboration with FAAN on the deployment of Electric Taxis at Nigerian airports?
Zuid Energies Limited is a new-energy mobility and infrastructure company partnering with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deploy electric taxi services across major international airports. The collaboration covers deployment of EV ride-hailing and executive airport taxis, alongside development of EV charging infrastructure. The pilot phase is starting with Abuja and Lagos, after which the model will be expanded to other FAAN airports nationwide. 
Which airports are you targeting for operations now and how many taxis are you deploying?
Our long-term plan is to operate across all FAAN-owned airports, with Abuja and Lagos serving as pilot locations. Deployment numbers will scale in phases based on passenger demand, infrastructure readiness, and operational performance from the pilot phase.
What is the modality of operations?
Zuid Energies operates a digital-first booking system using a WhatsApp booking bot and dispatch platform. Passengers request rides via WhatsApp, and vehicles are dispatched either from airport staging areas, or from city charging hubs. Operations are done in partnership with FAAN and aligned with airport transport regulations.
How affordable is it for low income or middle-class earners?
Our goal is accessibility. Regular EV Taxi: Comparable to standard ride-hailing pricing (e.g., Uber/Bolt standard); Executive EV Taxi: Comparable to existing executive airport taxi services. EV technology helps stabilize pricing long term because operating costs are lower than fuel vehicles.
Do you intend to work with airport taxi operators or work alone?
We intend to work collaboratively with existing airport taxi operators. Our goal is to create a transition model that allows them to participate in the EV ecosystem through partnerships, fleet conversion opportunities, and driver integration programs.
What makes your service different from other transport services at the airport?
Our key differentiators include: Brand new electric vehicles, Professionally trained drivers, Fully cashless payment system, Lost-and-found passenger support system, Digital booking and tracking, Lower noise and zero tailpipe emissions, Premium passenger comfort and safety standards and Fleet monitoring and centralized dispatch.
What are the sustainability measures put in place (For instance charging centers and maintenance)?
We are developing a full ecosystem approach that include dedicated EV charging stations in Lagos and Abuja; Planned charging infrastructure inside airports; Preventive maintenance partnerships with certified EV technicians; Data-driven fleet monitoring for efficiency and uptime.
What are other future plans?
Expansion to more Nigerian airports; Expansion into intercity EV transport corridors; Development of more public charging infrastructure; Fleet financing programs for partners and Potential expansion into West African aviation mobility ecosystems
Why Electric Vehicles (EVs) and what are the main benefits of adopting EVs in Nigeria’s transportation sector?
Electric Vehicles represent the future of transportation globally, and Nigeria is well positioned to benefit from early adoption. Some of the key benefits include: Reduced dependence on imported refined fuel; Lower operating costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles; Reduced air pollution in major cities; Quieter and more efficient transport systems; Alignment with global climate and energy transition goals and opportunity to leverage Nigeria’s gas, solar, and power generation resources EV adoption also supports Nigeria’s long-term energy security strategy.
