No Blanket Ban on Uber, Bolt at Nigerian Airports – FAAN

• The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing services operating at Nigerian airports.

• The authority said it is engaging the operators to develop a workable framework that will address passenger safety, security, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.

• FAAN explained that its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) is not an e-hailing platform but a system designed to provide operational visibility, vehicle tracking and management of applicable airport charges.

• The authority said it would conclude discussions with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers as quickly as possible to ensure passengers retain safe, convenient and orderly transportation options at the nation’s airports.

August 20, () — 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 airports across the country.

FAAN, in a statement issued on Thursday, said its position on e-hailing operators was aimed at establishing an effective operational framework within the highly regulated airport environment, rather than restricting passengers’ access to transportation services.

The clarification followed concerns and reports suggesting that passengers could no longer use popular ride-hailing platforms to access transportation at Nigerian airports.

According to the authority, discussions are currently ongoing with relevant e-hailing operators to establish a mutually acceptable framework that would allow the services to continue operating while complying with airport safety, security and operational requirements.

FAAN said airports required a higher level of regulation because of the large volume of passenger movement and the security-sensitive nature of their operations.

It explained that all commercial transportation providers operating within airport premises must be identifiable and accountable, with the airport authority having sufficient visibility over their vehicles, drivers and activities.

The authority said such arrangements were necessary to facilitate effective coordination, particularly in the event of security incidents, passenger-related complaints or other emergencies.

FAAN said its concerns were also driven by complaints and operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.

It said the challenges had made it necessary to develop a clear framework for managing commercial transportation services while ensuring that passengers continued to enjoy convenient mobility options.

“The authority have been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually acceptable operational framework that will recognise the value of service.

“FAAN is addressing the safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of the airport environment. The current situation should therefore, not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” the authority said.

FAAN maintained that the engagement was intended to create a system under which Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers could operate in a manner consistent with airport security and operational standards.

ACHRAMS Not E-Hailing Platform

The airport authority also clarified the purpose of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, which had generated questions following its unveiling.

FAAN said ACHRAMS was not designed as an alternative e-hailing application and should not be interpreted as an attempt to replace existing ride-hailing platforms.

Rather, the authority explained that the system was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within airport environments, while also facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.

According to FAAN, the system is part of its broader effort to ensure that commercial transportation activities at airports are properly monitored and integrated into the airport’s operational structure.

The authority acknowledged the convenience and additional transportation choices provided by e-hailing platforms, particularly for passengers arriving at or departing from airports.

It, however, recognised that the ongoing discussions could cause temporary inconvenience to some passengers while the outstanding issues were being resolved.

FAAN said the issues under consideration included passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the proper management of pick-up activities within airport premises.

It expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to all parties would be reached shortly.

The authority said it was keen to conclude the discussions with the operators expeditiously, stressing that its actions were guided by the need to protect passengers and provide a safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.

FAAN reiterated its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continued to have access to safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.

The clarification means that passengers should not interpret the current regulatory discussions as a permanent prohibition of e-hailing services, but rather as part of FAAN’s effort to bring such operations within a defined airport management and security framework