FAAN Denies Banning e-Hailing Services at Nigerian Airports

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

The clarification follows recent reports and public concerns over the operations of e-hailing platforms at some airports across the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, FAAN said its position was aimed at ensuring passenger safety, security and orderly movement within airport premises, rather than restricting travellers’ access to transportation options.

The Authority said airports are highly regulated environments and that all commercial transport operators working within airport premises must operate under a framework that allows FAAN to monitor their vehicles, drivers and activities.

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According to FAAN, such oversight is necessary to ensure that transport providers are identifiable and accountable, while enabling effective coordination during security or passenger-related incidents.

The Authority said it had also received complaints and observed operational challenges involving commercial transportation around airports, including passenger solicitation and touting.

It said these concerns had made it necessary to establish a clear framework for managing commercial transportation activities within airport premises.

FAAN also dismissed reports suggesting that its ACHRAMS platform was designed to compete with Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing services.

“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,” the statement said.

According to the Authority, the platform was developed mainly to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, as well as facilitate the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.

FAAN said it had been engaging e-hailing operators to develop an operational framework that would allow them to continue serving passengers while meeting the safety and security requirements of airports.

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

Rather, it described the situation as part of an “ongoing process of operational alignment” aimed at ensuring that e-hailing services operate within an appropriate airport framework.

FAAN acknowledged the convenience provided by platforms such as Uber and Bolt, while also recognising concerns from passengers who may face difficulties accessing the services during the ongoing discussions.

The Authority said it was working with the affected operators to resolve outstanding issues relating to passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities at airports.

“FAAN remains confident that a mutually acceptable understanding will be reached shortly,” it said.

The Authority reiterated that passenger safety remained its overriding consideration, insisting that its measures were designed to provide travellers with a “safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.”