The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has dismissed reports suggesting that it has placed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing operators at airports under its management.
The authority said its discussions with the operators were focused on creating a system that would protect passengers, strengthen airport security and ensure that commercial transport activities are properly regulated within airport premises.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by FAAN management, the authority stressed that it had no intention of restricting travellers from using e-hailing services.
“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 operational regulations, making it necessary for commercial transport providers to function within an organised framework.
It said such a system would ensure that vehicles and drivers operating at airports are “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”
The clarification followed reports of restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, notably the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
At the centre of the issue is the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), a digital platform introduced by FAAN to improve the management of ground transportation at airports.
FAAN said ACHRAMS was designed to enhance passenger safety, provide greater operational visibility and support cashless transactions.
The authority rejected suggestions that the platform was intended to displace established e-hailing companies.
“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 stated.
Rather, it explained that the system was created to enable the authority to monitor commercial transport activities within the airport environment and manage applicable concession and related charges.
FAAN said it had received complaints and identified challenges associated with commercial transport operations around airport facilities, including passenger solicitation and touting.
These concerns, it said, necessitated “a clear and effective framework” for regulating commercial transportation at airports.
The authority said it was therefore engaging e-hailing operators to develop “a mutually workable operational framework” that would preserve the convenience offered by the services while addressing safety, 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 might have experienced inconvenience during the ongoing discussions, assuring the public that it was working to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
The talks, according to the authority, are centred on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the proper management of pick-up points within airport premises.
“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it stated.
FAAN expressed confidence that the discussions would produce a mutually acceptable arrangement soon, maintaining that passenger welfare remained its primary concern.
It reiterated its commitment to providing a “safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience” while continuing to work with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure travellers have access to safe and convenient transport services.
