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 Nigerian airports, saying discussions are ongoing with operators to establish a workable framework for their activities.
FAAN made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday following reports and concerns about the status of e-hailing services at some airports across the country.
The authority said its position was not intended to restrict passengers’ transportation choices or undermine the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility for air travellers.
“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.
Why FAAN is seeking a new framework
According to FAAN, airports are highly regulated environments, meaning all commercial transportation services operating on airport premises must have appropriate arrangements that enable the authority to maintain visibility over their operations, vehicles and drivers.
The authority said such frameworks are also necessary to ensure effective coordination when security or passenger-related incidents occur.
FAAN said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises.
These include passenger solicitation and touting, which the authority said made it necessary to establish a clear framework for managing commercial transportation services.
“These concerns make it imperative for FAAN to have a clear and effective framework for managing commercial transportation activities at the airport,” the authority said.
FAAN added that it had been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually workable arrangement that recognises the value of their services while addressing safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements.
It stressed that the current situation should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition of e-hailing services.
“Rather, it is part of an ongoing process of operational alignment with the objective of ensuring that e-hailing services can continue to serve passengers within a framework that meets the requirements of the airport,” FAAN said.
ACHRAMS not an e-hailing platform
FAAN also clarified the purpose of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, amid concerns that the platform could compete with established e-hailing companies.
The authority said ACHRAMS was not created to compete with Uber, Bolt or other 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,” FAAN said.
Instead, the authority explained that the system was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment while facilitating the management of applicable concessions and related airport charges.
FAAN has previously said ACHRAMS was designed to modernise airport ground transportation, improve coordination and strengthen passenger safety and security.
The authority has also indicated that discussions were ongoing with Uber and Bolt to facilitate their integration into the new operational framework.
Uber, Bolt discussions ongoing
FAAN said it recognised the convenience and additional transportation options that Uber and Bolt provide to passengers.
It also acknowledged concerns from travellers who may experience inconvenience while the outstanding operational issues are being resolved.
“The Authority equally appreciates the concerns being expressed by passengers who may experience inconvenience while these operational issues are being resolved,” it said.
FAAN said it and the affected operators were engaged in “constructive discussions” aimed at resolving outstanding issues, particularly those concerning passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of airport pick-up activities.
The authority said the discussions needed to be concluded “expeditiously” and expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable arrangement would be reached shortly.
It reiterated that passenger protection remained its overriding consideration.
FAAN also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that travellers continue to have access to safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.
The clarification follows earlier reports that Uber and Bolt had faced restrictions on airport pick-ups pending the conclusion of formal arrangements with FAAN.