The Chief Executive Officer of Zuid Energies Ltd., Ogochukwu Abiakam said the company will partner with the Federal Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deploy electric taxis at the nation’s airports.

Abiakam disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview in Abuja.

He said the deployment would begin with a pilot phase in Abuja and Lagos.

Zuid Energies, the new-energy mobility and Infrastructure Company, recently deployed 20 electric taxis for operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He explained that the two locations would serve as test beds for operational efficiency, passenger adoption, and infrastructure readiness.

He stated that the successful implementation of the model at the pilot stage would facilitate expansion to other FAAN-owned airports nationwide.

According to him, the initiative is designed to modernise airport ground transportation while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition and economic development goals.

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

“All operations are conducted in partnership with FAAN and in full alignment with airport transport regulations, ensuring seamless integration into existing airport ecosystems.

“Electric vehicles are often perceived as premium offerings and Zuid Energies is positioning affordability as a core principle,” he said.

He said the company believed leveraging the lower operating and maintenance costs of electric vehicles to stabilise pricing over the long term would protect passengers from fuel price volatility.

According to him, the key aspect of the initiative is its collaborative approach with existing airport taxi operators.

“Rather than displacing current players, Zuid Energies is developing a transition model that allows traditional operators to participate in the EV ecosystem.

“These include: fleet conversion opportunities, driver integration and training programs, 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, fully cashless payment system, digital booking, tracking, and centralised dispatch,” he said.

He added that beyond vehicles, Zuid Energies was also investing in a full electric mobility ecosystem including dedicated EV charging stations in Abuja and Lagos to ensure operational resilience and long-term expansion.

He expressed optimism that electric vehicles would reduce dependence on imported refined fuel and lower operating costs for transport services.