FAAN defends airport taxi tariff hike and vehicle upgrade policy amid driver protests

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its recent decision to increase operational charges for airport taxi operators and maintain its vehicle upgrade policy. The authority insists these measures are designed to improve passenger safety, service quality, and the overall standard of airport transport, rather than penalize operators.

This clarification follows protests from some taxi drivers who appealed to the Federal Government to suspend FAAN's requirement that airport taxis must be 2020 models or newer. A video circulated on social media showed a driver lamenting the financial burden, stating, "Vehicles that cost N18 million and above, with the way Nigeria is now." He urged intervention, highlighting the economic difficulties faced by operators in acquiring such vehicles.

FAAN stated that consultations for the vehicle upgrade policy began in July 2024, with an initial compliance deadline of January 2026, later extended to June 2026. The authority is now considering a final extension until October 2026 to provide operators with more time. "This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards," FAAN said in a statement, emphasizing that no further extensions would be granted.

The authority stressed that the directive aims to ensure airport taxis are clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained, aligning with international airport standards. FAAN also defended the increase in the operational tariff from N500 to N1,500, noting the previous rate had been unchanged for over eight years despite rising costs. This revised charge will support airport infrastructure and service maintenance. FAAN maintains regular consultations with licensed airport transport service providers, though its contractual relationship is with registered companies, not associations.

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Vehicles that cost N18 million and above, with the way Nigeria is now.