No Blanket Ban On Uber, Bolt At Nigerian Airports -FAAN Clarifies

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.

The Authority said its ongoing engagement with the operators was aimed at establishing a framework that guarantees passenger safety, security and orderly airport operations.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the management of FAAN.

The Authority said its position was not intended to restrict passengers’ access to transportation options or undermine the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility to air travellers.

FAAN explained that airports are highly regulated environments and that commercial transport providers must operate under a framework that gives the authority adequate visibility over their vehicles and drivers.

According to the Authority, the arrangement is necessary to ensure that transport providers operating within airport premises are identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.

The clarification came amid reports and public concerns over restrictions on e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

FAAN also explained the purpose of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, a digital platform introduced to modernise airport ground transportation, improve passenger safety and facilitate cashless operations.

The Authority stressed that ACHRAMS was not created to compete with existing e-hailing platforms.

According to FAAN, the platform was primarily developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.

The Authority said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.

It said these concerns made it necessary to establish a clear framework for managing commercial transportation activities at airports.

FAAN said it had consequently been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually workable operational framework that recognises the value of their services while addressing safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements.

The Authority urged the public not to misconstrue the ongoing situation as a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services.

It also acknowledged concerns from passengers who may have experienced inconvenience while discussions with operators continue, assuring that it was working to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible.

FAAN said the ongoing discussions were focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.

The Authority expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable understanding would be reached with the operators, reiterating that its priority was to provide passengers with a safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.

FAAN also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that air travellers continue to have safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.