The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it is not seeking to ban e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt from operating at Nigerian airports, saying a new digital system is intended to improve oversight rather than replace the services.
FAAN in a statement on Thursday said that its position had been misunderstood, stressing that it recognises the role e-hailing platforms play in giving air travellers convenient transportation options.
The Authority said its concern was to ensure that commercial transport services operating within airport premises have a clear framework for safety, security, accountability and passenger convenience.
FAAN explained that its Airport Concessionaire and Revenue Management System (ACHRAMS) is not an e-hailing application and was not developed to compete with Uber, Bolt or other mobility platforms.
Instead, the Authority said ACHRAMS was designed to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment while facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
“Airports are highly regulated environments,” FAAN said, explaining that commercial transportation providers operating within them must have an appropriate framework that gives the airport authority visibility over their operations, vehicles and drivers.
The Authority said the system was particularly important because of the volume of passengers moving through airports and the need to ensure that transportation providers are identifiable, accountable and integrated into airport security procedures.
FAAN also cited complaints and operational challenges involving commercial transport activities around airports, including passenger solicitation and touting.
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It said it had therefore been engaging e-hailing operators to develop a workable framework that would allow their services to continue while addressing airport-specific safety and security requirements.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” the Authority said.
FAAN said the ongoing discussions with affected operators were focused on issues including passenger safety, security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of airport pick-up points.
The Authority acknowledged the convenience provided by Uber, Bolt and similar platforms, while also recognising concerns from passengers who may face difficulties accessing the services during the discussions.
“FAAN remains confident that a mutually acceptable understanding will be reached shortly,” it said.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
