FAAN restores Bolt airport operations after Aviation Minister intervenes

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has lifted its restriction on Bolt operations at airports, restoring access to the popular e-hailing service after widespread passenger complaints highlighted significant inconvenience and soaring transport fares. This reversal follows a direct intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who urged FAAN to promptly address the disruption.

In a statement released on Thursday, FAAN announced that constructive engagements with Bolt had resulted in an agreeable operational framework, clearing the company to resume services immediately at FAAN-managed airports. The decision came after passengers and social media users voiced concerns over the sudden unavailability of the service, which led to increased reliance on traditional taxis and a subsequent surge in fares.

The restriction had been part of broader efforts by FAAN to manage commercial and e-hailing vehicles operating within airport premises. For nearly a decade, the authority has grappled with challenges including unregulated operations, passenger solicitation, touting, and safety and security concerns. To address these issues, FAAN introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), intended to regulate authorized airport car-hire services.

FAAN clarified that ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing platform and is not designed to compete with mobility companies like Uber and Bolt. Its sole function is the management of airport car-hire ranks. The authority stressed its support for healthy competition within the airport transportation sector and denied any intention to create a monopoly. FAAN also addressed concerns regarding airport taxi fares, stating that the rates discussed publicly were not newly imposed by the authority or ACHRAMS but had existed independently.

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Following my directive to FAAN to urgently address the issue of exorbitant taxi fare increases at our airports, the issue has been resolved as follows.