No blanket ban on Uber, Bolt at Nigerian airports – FAAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a clarification stating that no blanket ban has been imposed on e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt at the nation's airports. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions between FAAN and the operators to develop a workable framework for their operations within airport premises.

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The authority have been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually acceptable operational framework that will recognise the value of our service.

FAAN emphasized that its position is not intended to restrict passengers' transportation options or diminish the convenience provided by these platforms. Instead, the authority's primary concern is to ensure that all commercial transportation activities at airports adhere to essential safety, security, and operational standards. Airports are highly regulated environments, and FAAN requires all commercial transport providers to have a clear framework that allows the authority oversight of their vehicles, drivers, and operations.

This framework is deemed crucial for effective coordination during security or passenger-related incidents, especially given the high volume of passenger movement at airports. FAAN stressed the need for transportation providers operating within airport environments to be identifiable, accountable, and integrated into the airport's overall operational and security structure. The authority also clarified that its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) is not an e-hailing application but a platform for operational visibility and tracking.

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FAAN is addressing the safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of the airport environment.

FAAN acknowledged that it has received complaints and observed operational challenges, including passenger solicitation and touting, associated with commercial transportation activities. These concerns necessitated the establishment of a clear framework. The authority is actively engaging with e-hailing operators to develop a mutually acceptable operational framework that recognizes the value of their services while addressing the airport's safety, security, accountability, and passenger experience requirements. FAAN urged that the current situation should not be misconstrued as a complete prohibition.

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The current situation should therefore, not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services.