FAAN Clarifies E-Hailing Operations at Airports, Says Passenger Safety Remains Priority
Oru Leonard
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified its position on the operations of e-hailing services, including Uber and Bolt, at some Nigerian airports, stressing that passenger safety, security and seamless mobility remain its overriding priorities.
The clarification followed recent reports and public discussions surrounding the operations of e-hailing companies within airport premises.
FAAN said its position was neither aimed at restricting passengers’ access to transportation options nor undermining the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility to air travellers.
According to the Authority, airports are highly regulated environments, requiring all commercial transportation operators within their premises to operate under an appropriate framework that provides adequate visibility over their vehicles, drivers and activities.
FAAN explained that such arrangements are necessary to ensure that transportation providers operating within airports are identifiable and accountable, while enabling effective coordination in the event of security or passenger-related incidents.
The Authority also dismissed the misconception that its ACHRAMS platform was developed as an alternative to existing e-hailing applications.
FAAN said ACHRAMS was not an e-hailing application and was not intended to compete with or replicate the services offered by Uber, Bolt or other mobility platforms. Rather, it was developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
The Authority noted that it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.
FAAN said these concerns had made it necessary to establish a clear framework for managing commercial transportation activities while protecting the interests and safety of airport users.
The Authority disclosed that it had been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually workable operational framework that recognises the value of their services while addressing the peculiar safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of the airport environment.
It stressed that the current situation should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services, but rather as part of an ongoing process of operational alignment.
According to FAAN, the objective is to ensure that e-hailing operators can continue serving passengers within a framework that meets airport safety and operational requirements.
The Authority acknowledged the convenience and additional transportation choices provided by platforms such as Uber and Bolt, as well as concerns from passengers who may experience inconvenience while the issues are being resolved.
FAAN therefore said it was keen to conclude the ongoing discussions with the affected operators as quickly as possible.
The discussions, it added, were particularly focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the appropriate management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
FAAN expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable understanding would be reached shortly.
The Authority reiterated that its actions were guided by the need to protect passengers and provide a safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.
FAAN further reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continue to have safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.
