Abuja Airport's Electric Shuttle Struggles to Gain Traction Despite its eco-friendly intention, the electric shuttle service at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has been struggling to win over passengers.
The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. A green, silent bus idled at the park, outside the domestic arrival terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with doors open and seats mostly empty. A few metres away, taxi drivers called out for passengers while travellers wheeled their luggage past without a second glance.
“Well, I am using the bus for the first time to try it out. They told me about it at the exit door, so I said let me try it,” said one passenger, glancing at the bus door at intervals. But even as she settled in, she was uncertain if she would return.
The electric shuttle service was launched on 30th January by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in airport operations. At the commissioning, FAAN said the initiative aligned with its renewable energy agenda, which also includes solar-powered lighting systems, energy-efficient upgrades, and waste reduction efforts across airports.
Possible Electric Vehicles (Possible EVS), a Nigerian electric mobility company, developed the project in partnership with FAAN. The company introduced zero-emission buses for passenger movement between the airport and the city.
FAAN’s Board Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, described the initiative as part of efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and promote cleaner energy use.
“They are not owned by FAAN. It is owned by a private investor, Possible Electric Vehicles (Possible EVS). FAAN only granted them the opportunity to operate and do business at the airport, just like other car hire services, so it is strictly business.”
The company assigns 10 buses to the airport, currently in operation. They run the service between the airport and its terminal in Wuse 2.
“Our goal is to change the way Nigerians see commercial transport. We want to make mass transportation green and reduce carbon emissions.”
Industry reports place Possible EVS within Nigeria’s emerging electric mobility ecosystem focused on electric buses, taxis, and charging infrastructure.
From the airport, departures run every hour between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., whether or not the buses are full. From Wuse 2 to the airport, operations run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Even if there are fewer than five passengers, the service will still operate. They can pick up passengers at the Bovas Filling Station, Lugbe, Federal Secretariat and Wuse 2.
“There are days we move 80 passengers total, some days 50, sometimes 90, but per bus, we carry an average of about five to six passengers or even less,” said driver John Machunga.
The service has been operational for only three months. Despite its challenges, Possible EVS believes in the eco-friendly initiative and is optimistic about its future. Occupancy averages about 10–15 per cent of airport passengers. The company estimates that awareness is still needed to promote the service.
Ms Oduwole Gyer confirmed similar trends, adding that occupancy averages about five passengers or fewer per trip. She noted that while exact figures are not formally available, the service still operates, with departures running every hour between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The company has plans to expand the service, but for now, the focus is on promoting awareness and increasing passenger numbers. Possible EVS believes that Nigeria can lead the way in electric mobility, and the airport shuttle service is just the beginning. The service has the potential to make mass transportation green and reduce carbon emissions in Nigeria.