The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has moved to douse growing tensions over the operations of e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt at Nigerian airports, insisting that it has not banned the services but is seeking a framework that guarantees passenger safety, security and accountability.
FAAN, in a statement signed by its management, said the controversy surrounding e-hailing operations at airports should not be interpreted as an attempt to deny travellers access to convenient transportation.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” the Authority said, stressing that the ongoing engagement with operators was aimed at ensuring that such services operate within the peculiar security and operational requirements of airports.
The clarification comes amid public concerns over the accessibility of Uber, Bolt and other ride-hailing services at some Nigerian airports, with passengers reportedly facing difficulties in accessing the platforms for airport pick-ups.
FAAN said its position was driven primarily by the need to maintain control and visibility over commercial transportation activities within highly regulated airport environments.
“Airports are highly regulated environments,” the Authority declared, adding that all commercial transportation operators within airport premises must operate under an appropriate framework that gives airport authorities adequate visibility over their vehicles, drivers and operations.
According to FAAN, such arrangements are crucial for ensuring that drivers providing transportation services at airports are “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”
The Authority also linked its concerns to complaints and operational challenges recorded around commercial transportation activities at airports, particularly 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,” it said.
FAAN further pushed back against what it described as a misconception surrounding its ACHRAMS platform, insisting that the system was never designed as a rival to Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing applications.
“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,” FAAN said.
The Authority explained that ACHRAMS was developed mainly to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while supporting the accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
FAAN said it had been engaging Uber, Bolt and other relevant operators in an effort to develop a mutually workable framework that would preserve the convenience offered by e-hailing services while addressing security, accountability and passenger-experience concerns.
The Authority acknowledged that platforms such as Uber and Bolt have become an important part of modern passenger mobility, providing travellers with additional transportation choices and convenience.
“FAAN recognises the significant convenience and additional choice that platforms such as Uber and Bolt provide to passengers,” it said.
It also acknowledged the frustration of passengers affected by the ongoing operational difficulties, promising to work towards a speedy resolution.
FAAN said discussions with the affected operators were already at an advanced stage, with the parties focusing on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, driver accountability and the proper management of airport pick-up activities.
“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” FAAN said.
The airport authority expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to all sides would be reached shortly, insisting that its ultimate objective was not to restrict mobility but to ensure that transportation services operate safely and orderly within airport premises.
“FAAN remains confident that a mutually acceptable understanding will be reached shortly,” the Authority said.
It reiterated that its actions were guided by “one overriding consideration: to protect passengers while providing them with a safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.”
FAAN also pledged to continue working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers retain access to safe, reliable and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.
