The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it has not banned Uber, Bolt or any other e-hailing service from operating at Nigerian airports, saying its ongoing discussions with operators are aimed at strengthening passenger safety, security and the orderly management of airport transport services.
The clarification follows growing concerns among passengers over reported restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The reported restrictions had also triggered complaints over rising airport transport fares, with some passengers attributing higher costs to difficulties in accessing their preferred e-hailing services within airport premises.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FAAN said it had no intention of restricting passengers’ transportation choices or undermining the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility for air travellers.
“FAAN wishes to clarify that its position is not, and has never been, directed at limiting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the important role that e-hailing services play in providing convenient mobility to air travellers,” the authority said.
Rather, FAAN explained that its objective was to ensure that commercial transport operators working within airport premises were properly integrated into the airports’ operational and security systems.
The authority noted that airports are highly regulated environments and therefore require commercial transport providers to operate within a framework that enables the identification and monitoring of both vehicles and drivers.
It said such measures were necessary to ensure that transport providers were “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”
ACHRAMS Not an Alternative to E-Hailing Platforms
FAAN also addressed concerns surrounding the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), a digital platform introduced to modernise airport ground transportation, improve passenger safety and facilitate cashless transactions.
The introduction of the system had generated debate among transport operators and passengers, particularly over vehicle standards, registration requirements and the integration of e-hailing drivers into the new framework.
FAAN, however, stressed that ACHRAMS was not designed to replace or compete with established e-hailing platforms.
“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and is not intended to compete with or replicate the services provided by Uber, Bolt or any other e-hailing platform,” the authority said.
According to FAAN, the platform was primarily developed to provide the airport with greater operational visibility and facilitate the tracking and management of commercial transport activities, including applicable concession and related airport charges.
The authority said complaints from passengers and operational challenges associated with commercial transportation within and around airport premises had also underscored the need for clearer and more effective rules.
Among the issues identified was passenger solicitation and touting, which FAAN said required stronger control in order to improve the airport experience and protect travellers.
Talks Underway With Operators
FAAN said it was engaging e-hailing operators with the aim of developing “a mutually workable operational framework” that would preserve the convenience offered by the services while addressing concerns relating to safety, security, accountability and passenger experience.
It stressed that the ongoing situation should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” the authority said.
FAAN acknowledged that some passengers may have experienced inconvenience during the ongoing discussions but assured the public that efforts were underway to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible.
According to the authority, the discussions with affected operators are focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the effective management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it stated.
FAAN expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to all parties would be reached soon, maintaining that the safety, security and comfort of travellers remained its primary concern.
The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continue to have access to safe, convenient and reliable transportation options at Nigerian airports.
FAAN said its ultimate objective was to create a safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport environment while preserving the convenience that e-hailing services provide to air travellers.
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