Following public outcry an report by BusinessDay exposing severe passenger disruptions and skyrocketing cab fares at major Nigerian terminals, after Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) suspended ride-hailing operators, including Uber and Bolt, the authority has initiated formal discussions with to establish a unified operational framework.
The aviation authority addressed growing concerns surrounding access restrictions at key transport hubs, clarifying that its regulatory stance was never designed to curb passenger mobility options or penalize app-based transport providers.
“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 read.
According to FAAN, the heightened oversight forms part of a broader mandate to safeguard airport environments against security breaches, illicit passenger solicitation, and uncoordinated commercial operations.
Read also: Ban on Uber, Bolt at Nigerian airports trigger fare hike
Emphasizing the regulated nature of aviation facilities, FAAN stressed that commercial transport firms operating on airport grounds must integrate into a system that guarantees real-time tracking, driver identification, and immediate incident response accountability.
FAAN defined the scope of its ACHRAMS platform.
“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. It was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while also facilitating seamless and accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges.”
The authority acknowledged that ongoing friction, compounded by informal touting around airport arrivals, made it necessary to formalize clear rules for commercial transport operators.
While passengers across major hubs have reported severe delays and inflated fares during the ongoing transition, FAAN reassured the traveling public that the current impasse does not represent a permanent prohibition on ride-hailing apps.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services. Rather, it is part of an ongoing process of operational alignment with the objective of ensuring that e-hailing services can continue to serve passengers within a framework that meets the requirements of the airport.”
Reiterating its commitment to passenger safety and comfort, FAAN expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations with representatives from Uber and Bolt will yield a workable arrangement shortly, establishing structured pick-up zones, vetted driver databases, and streamlined terminal transit.
