The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said it has not placed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
The authority said its ongoing discussions with ride-hailing companies were focused on developing an operational framework that would protect passengers, improve security and ensure orderly activities within airport premises.
FAAN made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, following reports and concerns over restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some airports under its management, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The authority stressed that its position was not intended to prevent passengers from using e-hailing platforms.
“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,” it said.
According to FAAN, airports operate under strict security and regulatory requirements, making it necessary for commercial transport providers operating on airport premises to be properly identified and monitored.
The authority said such arrangements would ensure that transport operators are “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”
FAAN also addressed concerns surrounding the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, which was introduced to improve the management of ground transportation at airports.
The digital platform is designed to enhance passenger safety, provide operational visibility and support cashless transactions. Its implementation has, however, triggered concerns among e-hailing drivers and operators over vehicle requirements, registration and how they would be incorporated into the airport transport system.
FAAN clarified that ACHRAMS was not established as a rival to existing ride-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.
It explained that the system was primarily created to monitor and manage commercial transportation activities within airport environments, including applicable concession and related charges.
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FAAN said it had also identified challenges associated with commercial transport operations around airports, including passenger solicitation and touting.
These issues, it said, had made the creation of “a clear and effective framework” for commercial transportation necessary.
The authority disclosed that it was engaging e-hailing companies to develop “a mutually workable operational framework” that would recognise the importance of their services while addressing concerns around security, accountability and passenger experience.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.
FAAN acknowledged that some passengers may have experienced inconvenience as discussions continue, adding that it was working to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible.
The authority said the negotiations were centred on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the proper management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” FAAN stated.
It expressed optimism that an agreement acceptable to all parties would be reached soon and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers.
FAAN said its priority remained ensuring a “safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience” while preserving passengers’ access to convenient transportation options.