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, saying its ongoing engagement with the operators is aimed at establishing a framework that guarantees passenger safety, security and orderly airport operations.
The clarification was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the management of Nigeria’s Federal Airports Authority.
FAAN stated that its position was not intended to limit passengers’ access to transportation options or to undermine the role of e-hailing platforms, but rather to ensure that commercial transportation services operating on airport grounds are properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.
“FAAN wishes to clarify that its position is not, and has never been, directed at limiting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the important role that e-hailing services play in providing convenient mobility to air travellers,” the authority said.
FAAN explained that airports are highly regulated settings, and commercial transportation providers must operate within a framework that allows the authority adequate visibility into their vehicles and drivers.
The authority stated that such arrangements were required to guarantee that transportation suppliers are “identifiable, accountable, and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”
The statement follows reports and public criticism of e-hailing service restrictions at various FAAN-managed airports, including Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, is a digital platform introduced by FAAN to modernise airport ground transportation, improve passenger safety and facilitate cashless operations.
The platform’s implementation, however, has sparked debate and demonstrations about vehicle standards, registration rules, and the integration of e-hailing drivers into the airport transportation system.
FAAN also attempted to clarify the purpose of ACHRAMS, emphasising that the platform was not intended to compete with existing 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 authority stated.
According to FAAN, ACHRAMS was designed primarily to give operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, as well as to help manage appropriate concession and related airport charges.
The authority stated that it has received complaints and witnessed operational issues related to commercial transportation activities on and around airport grounds, such as passenger solicitation and touting.
It stated that these problems necessitated the establishment of “a clear and effective framework” for governing commercial transportation activity in airports.
FAAN stated that it has been working with relevant e-hailing companies to develop “a mutually workable operational framework” that recognises the importance of such services while meeting safety, security, accountability, and passenger-experience standards.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.
The authority recognised concerns from passengers who may have been inconvenienced while the issues were being resolved, stating that it wished to end the negotiations as soon as possible.
FAAN stated that the ongoing discussions were centered on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability, and the supervision of pick-up activities on airport grounds.
“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it stated.
FAAN expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable agreement would be achieved soon, emphasising that the primary goal was to safeguard passengers while offering a “safe, secure, orderly, and seamless airport experience”.
It also restated its commitment to collaborating with Uber, Bolt, and other mobility companies to ensure that travellers in Nigeria’s airports have safe and convenient transportation alternatives.
