The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt at Nigerian airports.
The Authority said it was currently engaging operators to establish a workable framework that would allow e-hailing services to continue operating while meeting airport safety, security and operational requirements.
FAAN made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday following reports and concerns over restrictions on e-hailing services at some airports.
The Authority stressed that its position was not intended to limit passengers’ transportation options or undermine 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,” it said.
FAAN Explains Restrictions
FAAN explained that airports are highly regulated environments and that all commercial transportation services operating within them must operate under appropriate frameworks.
According to the Authority, such frameworks enable it to maintain visibility over vehicles, drivers and operations, while also ensuring effective coordination during security or passenger-related incidents.
FAAN said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.
“These concerns make it imperative for FAAN to have a clear and effective framework for managing commercial transportation activities at the airport,” the Authority said.
It added that discussions were ongoing with relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually acceptable framework that recognises the value of their services while addressing safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience concerns.
“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,” it said.
ACHRAMS Not an E-Hailing Platform
FAAN also clarified the purpose of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), stressing that the platform was not created to compete with Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing services.
“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.
It explained that ACHRAMS was primarily developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within airport environments, as well as facilitate the management of applicable concessions and related airport charges.
The clarification follows concerns over the implementation of ACHRAMS and the regulatory requirements for commercial transportation operators at airports.
FAAN has previously said the system was designed to modernise airport ground transportation, improve coordination and strengthen passenger safety and security. It has also confirmed that discussions were ongoing with Uber and Bolt on integrating their services into the new framework.
Uber, Bolt Discussions Ongoing
FAAN said it recognised the convenience and additional transportation choices provided by Uber and Bolt and acknowledged concerns from passengers who may experience inconvenience while the operational issues are being resolved.
“The Authority equally appreciates the concerns being expressed by passengers who may experience inconvenience while these operational issues are being resolved,” it said.
According to FAAN, it and the affected operators are engaged in “constructive discussions” aimed at resolving outstanding issues, particularly passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport environments.
The Authority said the discussions needed to be concluded “expeditiously” and expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable agreement would be reached soon.
FAAN reiterated that passenger protection remained its overriding priority and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that travellers continue to have safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.
The clarification follows earlier reports that Uber and Bolt faced restrictions on airport pick-ups pending the conclusion of formal agreements with FAAN.
