The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services have not been banned from operating at Nigerian airports.
The agency explained that its ongoing discussions with e-hailing companies are aimed at creating a clear system that protects passengers, improves security and ensures smoother airport operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its management, FAAN said it was not seeking to prevent passengers from using e-hailing services or undermine the role of platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
“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 noted that airports operate within strict security and operational regulations. It therefore wants commercial transport providers using airport premises to operate under a system that allows vehicles and drivers to be properly identified and monitored.
According to the authority, transport providers must be “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”
The clarification follows reports and public concerns about restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FAAN said the discussions with operators are intended to address issues around passenger safety, driver identification, accountability, security and the orderly management of pick-up points.
The authority also pointed to challenges associated with commercial transportation around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.
It said these concerns made it necessary to establish “a clear and effective framework” for commercial transport activities within airports.
FAAN also clarified the purpose of the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), a digital platform introduced to modernise airport ground transportation.
The system is designed to improve operational visibility, vehicle tracking, passenger safety and the management of applicable airport charges.
FAAN stressed that ACHRAMS is not intended to replace existing e-hailing platforms.
“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.
Instead, the agency said the platform is primarily intended to help it monitor and manage commercial transportation activities within the airport environment.
FAAN said its engagement with Uber, Bolt and other operators should not be interpreted as a decision to prohibit e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.
The authority acknowledged that some passengers may have experienced inconvenience while discussions with operators continue, but said it was working to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible.
FAAN said it is currently engaging affected e-hailing companies to establish “a mutually workable operational framework” that accommodates the convenience provided by these services while meeting airport safety and security requirements.
“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it stated.
The agency said the discussions are focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the proper management of pick-up activities.
FAAN expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to all parties would be reached soon.
It reiterated that its primary concern is to provide a “safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience” for travellers.
The authority also reaffirmed its willingness to work with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers can continue to access safe, convenient and properly regulated transportation at Nigerian airports.
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