The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
The authority said its ongoing discussions with e-hailing operators are aimed at developing a framework that ensures passenger safety, security and orderly airport operations.
FAAN made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, following reports and public concerns over restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some of its airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The authority said its position was not intended to restrict passengers’ transportation choices or undermine the role of e-hailing companies.
“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 statement said.
According to FAAN, airports operate within highly regulated environments, meaning commercial transport providers must operate under arrangements that allow the authority to identify and monitor vehicles and drivers.
The authority said the framework is necessary to ensure that transport providers are identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security system.
FAAN also addressed concerns surrounding the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, a digital platform introduced to modernise ground transportation at airports.
The authority stressed that ACHRAMS is not an alternative to Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing applications.
“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,” FAAN said.
Instead, the authority explained that the platform was designed to provide operational visibility and tracking within airport premises while managing applicable concession and related airport charges.
FAAN said it had received complaints and observed challenges involving commercial transportation around airports, including passenger solicitation and touting.
It said these issues made it necessary to establish a clear framework for managing commercial transport services within airport premises.
The authority said it has therefore been engaging Uber, Bolt and other relevant operators to develop a mutually workable operational framework that preserves the convenience of e-hailing services while addressing safety, security and accountability concerns.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.
FAAN acknowledged that some passengers may have experienced inconvenience while discussions continue, adding that it wants to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible.
The authority said the talks are focused on passenger safety, operational visibility, driver and vehicle accountability, and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
FAAN expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached with the affected operators and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers.
The authority said its priority remains ensuring that passengers have access to safe, secure, orderly and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
Reader responses are closed on older stories.
