NiMet Deploys Electric Vehicles for Airside Operations at Major Airports

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has commenced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) for airside operations across Nigeria’s five major international airports, Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu making it a historic shift towards clean energy in the nation’s aviation sector.

This initiative, the first of its kind in Nigeria’s aviation industry, is part of NiMet’s broader strategy to modernize its operations and promote environmental sustainability. According to the agency, the use of EVs will enhance operational efficiency, cut maintenance costs, and reduce carbon emissions.

NiMet explained that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes energy transition, climate resilience, and the gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels. Each airport will be equipped with dedicated charging stations, while the vehicles are designed to travel up to 200 kilometres on a single charge.

Speaking on the deployment, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, described the initiative as a landmark investment in innovation and sustainability.

“Electric vehicles offer zero emissions, are cheaper to maintain, quieter to operate and more energy-efficient. We are prioritising sustainability in a way that directly improves our service delivery while protecting our environment,” he stated.

NiMet said the introduction of EVs would streamline airside logistics by enabling faster and more reliable movement of meteorological personnel and equipment, free from the challenges of fuel supply or price fluctuations.

Industry experts have lauded the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of carbon reduction goals and a demonstration of how public agencies can lead in the adoption of climate-friendly technologies.

Over the past year, NiMet has strengthened its modernization drive through the introduction of digital weather forecasting tools, improved climate modelling, and enhanced partnerships within the aviation ecosystem. The agency said the new EV deployment reinforces its commitment to green transformation and global competitiveness in aviation meteorology and climate intelligence.