FAAN Says Uber, Bolt Operations Not Banned At Airports 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has moved to clarify its position on e-hailing services at the country’s airports, saying Uber, Bolt and other mobility platforms have not been subjected to a blanket ban.

The clarification followed reports and public discussions over the operations of e-hailing companies at some airports, with the authority saying its actions should not be interpreted as an attempt to take away passengers’ transportation choices.

FAAN said it recognised the convenience provided by e-hailing platforms but maintained that commercial transportation operators within airport premises must work within a system that allows the authority to monitor their vehicles, drivers and operations.

“Airports are highly regulated environments. Consequently, all commercial transportation services operating within airport premises are required to have an appropriate framework that provides the airport authority with adequate visibility over their operations, vehicles and drivers,” it said.

According to the authority, the arrangement is necessary because of the volume and nature of passenger movements at airports and the need for transportation providers to be identifiable, accountable and integrated into airport security and operational structures.

FAAN also rejected the perception that its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, was introduced as an alternative to e-hailing platforms.

The system, launched in June, was designed to improve airport operations, increase revenue generation, reduce loitering around arrival areas and make car hire services more accessible to passengers.

FAAN said ACHRAMS was developed for operational visibility and tracking, as well as the accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges. It was not created to compete with Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing applications.

The authority said complaints and operational difficulties involving commercial transport around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting, had made a formal framework necessary.

It disclosed that it had been engaging e-hailing operators to develop an arrangement that would preserve their services while addressing safety, security, accountability and passenger experience.

“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” the authority said.

FAAN acknowledged that passengers could face some inconvenience while the issues were being resolved, but said discussions with affected operators were ongoing, particularly on passenger safety, operational visibility, accountability and the management of airport pick-up activities.

It expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached shortly, adding that it remained committed to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to maintain safe and convenient transportation options for air travellers.