The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt at Nigerian airports, saying its ongoing engagement with operators is aimed at establishing a framework that guarantees passenger safety, security and seamless airport operations.
FAAN said its position, contrary to recent reports and public conversations, is not intended to restrict passengers’ access to transportation options or undermine the important role e-hailing platforms play in providing convenient mobility for air travellers.
Rather, the Authority said its primary responsibility is to ensure that activities within the airport environment are conducted in a manner that guarantees the safety, security and convenience of passengers and other airport users.
FAAN explained that airports are highly regulated environments and that all commercial transportation services operating within airport premises must have an appropriate framework that provides the Authority with adequate visibility over their operations, vehicles and drivers.
According to the Authority, such oversight is necessary to ensure that transportation providers are identifiable and accountable, while enabling effective coordination in the event of security or passenger-related incidents.
“This is particularly important given the volume and nature of passenger movements at our airports and the need to ensure that persons providing transportation services within the airport environment are identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework”, FAAN stated.
The Authority also clarified the purpose of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), following what it described as a misconception about the platform.
FAAN stressed that ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was not developed to compete with or replicate the services provided by Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing platforms.
Rather, the Authority said the platform was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the seamless and accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
FAAN said it had, over time, received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.
The Authority said these concerns have made it necessary to establish a clear and effective framework for managing commercial transportation activities within the airport environment.
Against this background, FAAN said it has been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually workable operational framework that recognises the value of their services while addressing the peculiar safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of airports.
The Authority stressed that the current situation should not be misconstrued as a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services.
Rather, it described the process as an ongoing operational alignment exercise designed to enable e-hailing operators to continue serving passengers within a framework that meets airport requirements.
FAAN acknowledged the significant convenience and additional choice that platforms such as Uber and Bolt provide to passengers, while recognising concerns from travellers who may experience inconvenience as the operational issues are being resolved.
The Authority said it is therefore keen to see the discussions concluded expeditiously.
FAAN and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues, particularly those relating to passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the appropriate management of pick-up activities within the airport environment.
FAAN expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable understanding would be reached shortly.
The Authority reiterated that its actions are guided by one overriding consideration: protecting passengers while providing them with a safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.
FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to achieve this objective and ensure that passengers continue to have safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.