Uber, Bolt not banned at Nigerian airports, says FAAN

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, saying its ongoing engagement with the operators is aimed at establishing a framework that guarantees passenger safety, security and orderly airport operations.

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The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

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FAAN said its position was not aimed at restricting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the role of e-hailing platforms, but at ensuring that commercial transport services operating within airport premises are properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.

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“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,” the authority said.

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FAAN explained that airports are highly regulated environments and that commercial transport providers must operate under a framework that gives the authority adequate visibility over their vehicles and drivers.

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The authority said such arrangements were necessary to ensure that transport providers are “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”

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The clarification comes amid reports and public criticism over restrictions on e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

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The PUNCH reports that the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, is a digital platform introduced by FAAN to modernise airport ground transportation, improve passenger safety and facilitate cashless operations.

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The rollout of the platform has, however, generated discussions and protests over vehicle standards, registration requirements and the integration of e-hailing drivers into the airport transport system.

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FAAN also sought to clarify the purpose of ACHRAMS, stressing that the platform was not created to compete with existing e-hailing services.

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“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.

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According to FAAN, ACHRAMS was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.

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The authority said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges linked to commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.

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It said these concerns made it necessary to establish “a clear and effective framework” for managing commercial transportation activities at airports.

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FAAN said it had consequently been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to reach “a mutually workable operational framework” that recognises the value of their services while addressing safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements.

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“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.

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The authority acknowledged concerns from passengers who may have experienced inconvenience while the issues are being resolved, saying it was keen to conclude the discussions quickly.

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FAAN said the ongoing talks were focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.

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“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it stated.

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FAAN expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable understanding would be reached shortly, reiterating that its overriding consideration was to protect passengers while providing a “safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.”

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It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continue to have safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.

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