FAAN Resolves Bolt Operational Issues, Clears Way for Resumption at Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the resolution of operational issues surrounding e-hailing services at FAAN-managed airports, paving the way for Bolt to resume operations.

The authority, in a press release signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, on Thursday, said it had listened to concerns raised by passengers and made necessary adjustments following the temporary interruption of e-hailing services.

FAAN said the disruption was caused by challenges arising from the activities of commercial and e-hailing vehicles within the airport environment, including increasing cases of passenger solicitation and touting, unregulated operations, random pick-ups and associated safety, security and accountability concerns.

The authority explained that some drivers were operating across more than one platform, making it difficult to monitor their movements and maintain visibility of commercial transportation activities within the airport.

In response, FAAN introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), a queue-management and airport transportation management system designed to bring greater structure, visibility and accountability to authorised airport car-hire services.

FAAN clarified that ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was never intended to compete with Uber, Bolt or any other mobile platform.

Rather, the authority said its function is limited to managing airport car-hire ranks and authorised operations associated with them.

“FAAN supports healthy competition and does not seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation,” the authority stated.

FAAN also clarified that the fees highlighted in recent public discussions were not newly imposed by the authority and that ACHRAMS airport taxi fares had existed independently of the application, with the rates substantially different from those previously applicable.

According to FAAN, ACHRAMS has provided greater visibility and transparency around prevailing airport-taxi rates, making the actual cost more readily apparent to passengers.

The authority acknowledged concerns over increased costs and inconvenience experienced by passengers during the temporary suspension of e-hailing services and apologised for the difficulties caused.

FAAN said that, following constructive engagements, it had resolved the matter and that Bolt is cleared to commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately.

The authority added that discussions with other e-hailing operators were ongoing and expressed confidence that outstanding issues would be resolved in the coming days.

FAAN reiterated that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs, stressing that its responsibility is to ensure that authorised services operate within a safe, secure, orderly and accountable airport environment.

The authority thanked passengers for their patience and understanding, assuring them that safety, security, convenience and overall airport experience remain central to its decisions.