The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to raise airport cab operators’ tariffs from N500 to N1,500 and enforce stricter vehicle standards at the nation’s airports, insisting the measures are necessary to improve passenger experience and service quality.
The development follows threats by members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) to suspend operations at the airports serving Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from July 1 over what they described as anti-operator policies.
At the centre of the dispute is FAAN’s directive requiring airport cab operators to phase out vehicles manufactured before 2012. Operators had argued that the policy would negatively affect their businesses amid current economic challenges.
However, in a statement, FAAN said airports are the country’s gateways and should reflect high standards of safety, comfort and professionalism.
According to the authority, the vehicle upgrade policy is designed to improve reliability, passenger comfort and overall safety.
“Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport,” FAAN stated.
FAAN also justified the tariff increase, noting that the N500 operational charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite inflation, rising maintenance costs and broader economic pressures.
“The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services,” the agency said.
The authority rejected claims that it had ignored operators’ concerns, maintaining that it regularly engages licensed airport transport service providers through established stakeholder channels. FAAN stressed that its formal relationship is with registered cab companies rather than unions or associations.
On the vehicle upgrade deadline, FAAN said operators were first informed of the requirement in July 2024. The original compliance deadline was later extended to January 2026 and subsequently to June 2026 following requests from operators.
In what it described as a final concession, the agency is now considering extending the deadline to October 2026, giving operators additional time to meet the new standards.
FAAN emphasised that the policy is intended to enhance service quality rather than punish operators or restrict legitimate business activities. The authority added that more than two years had been provided for compliance and indicated that no further extensions are expected after the proposed October deadline.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with airport cab companies while urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving transportation services for travellers across Nigeria’s airports.
