FAAN Considers October Deadline Extension For Airport Taxi Upgrade Policy Implementation

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said it is considering extending the deadline for its airport taxi upgrade policy to October, following concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators.

The development was disclosed on Monday in Lagos by Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN.

Agbebire said the possible extension followed complaints and concerns from airport cab operators, even as the authority maintained that the policy was designed to improve service standards across Nigerian airports.

“The policy aligns with international best practices and seeks to elevate service quality,” Agbebire said.

He added that passengers deserved “clean, safe, comfortable and professionally maintained vehicles” within airport transport systems.

The FAAN spokesman dismissed claims that the authority had failed to engage operators on the policy, insisting that consultations had been ongoing.

He said FAAN maintained regular discussions with licensed transport providers operating within airport premises, stressing that engagement was conducted directly with corporate entities rather than unions or associations.

“Engagements on operational matters are conducted directly with affected corporate entities,” he said.

Agbebire explained that discussions on the upgrade requirement began in July 2024, giving operators time to comply.

He noted that the original compliance deadline had already been extended twice—from January 2026 to June 2026—citing economic realities and the need to give operators adequate preparation time.

According to him, the policy was not intended to punish operators or restrict their participation in airport transport services.

“Operators have been afforded ample opportunity to prepare for compliance,” he stated.

However, he warned that further extensions beyond the proposed October deadline may not be granted.

Agbebire acknowledged the role of airport cab operators in passenger movement, urging them to support the initiative aimed at improving service delivery.

FAAN, he added, remains committed to passenger-focused reforms across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

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