The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it has not banned Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing platforms from operating at Nigerian airports.
The authority said its ongoing discussions with the operators were aimed at developing a safe, accountable and efficient framework for e-hailing services within airport premises.
In a statement on Thursday, FAAN said reports suggesting that it had restricted or prohibited e-hailing services at airports did not reflect its position.
The authority explained that its objective was not to limit passengers’ transportation choices or undermine the role of e-hailing companies, but to ensure that commercial transport services operating within airports comply with safety, security and operational requirements.
“Airports are highly regulated environments. Consequently, all commercial transportation services operating within airport premises are required to have an appropriate framework that provides the airport authority with adequate visibility over their operations, vehicles and drivers, while also ensuring effective coordination in the event of a security or passenger-related incident,” FAAN said.
According to the authority, the volume of passenger movement at airports makes it necessary for commercial transport providers to be identifiable and accountable and properly integrated into existing security and operational structures.
FAAN said the framework would address issues including passenger safety, vehicle identification, driver accountability and the management of pick-up activities at airport terminals.
The authority also clarified the purpose of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), introduced in June to improve the management of commercial transportation services at airports.
FAAN said ACHRAMS was designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance revenue generation, reduce loitering around arrival areas and provide passengers with quicker access to car hire services.
It stressed that ACHRAMS was not an e-hailing application and was neither intended to compete with nor replace platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
“ACHRAMS was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the seamless and accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges,” the authority said.
FAAN said the system was introduced as part of efforts to bring greater structure to commercial transportation activities at airports, particularly in response to complaints and operational challenges.
Among the concerns, it cited passenger solicitation and touting around airport premises, which it said could affect passenger experience and raise security concerns.
The authority said it was therefore engaging e-hailing operators, including Uber and Bolt, to establish mutually acceptable arrangements that would allow them to continue serving passengers while meeting airport-specific requirements.
“Rather, it is part of an ongoing process of operational alignment with the objective of ensuring that e-hailing services can continue to serve passengers within a framework that meets the requirements of the airport,” FAAN said.
The authority acknowledged the convenience provided by app-based transport services, particularly for passengers travelling between airports and their destinations.
It also recognised that passengers could experience some inconvenience while discussions and operational adjustments were ongoing.
FAAN said it was working to conclude the engagements as quickly as possible, with particular attention to passenger safety, security, operational visibility, accountability and designated pick-up points.
“For this reason, FAAN is keen to see the discussions concluded expeditiously. The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it said.
The authority urged the public to distinguish between the regulation of commercial transportation within airport premises and an outright ban on e-hailing services.
FAAN reiterated that it recognised the contribution of Uber, Bolt and similar platforms to passenger mobility and said its goal was to ensure that they operate within a framework that protects passengers while preserving the security and operational integrity of Nigerian airports.
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