The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied imposing a blanket ban on e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, saying it is instead developing an operational framework to improve safety, security and accountability.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said the initiative was not intended to restrict passengers’ transport options or undermine the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility for air travellers.
FAAN said its responsibility was to ensure that activities within airport environments were conducted in a manner that safeguarded passengers and other users.
It explained that airports were highly regulated environments and that all commercial transport operators working on airport premises were expected to operate within a framework that gave the authority adequate visibility of their vehicles, drivers and activities.
The agency said such oversight was necessary because of the volume and nature of passenger movements at airports and the need to ensure that transport providers were identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into airport security and operational systems.
FAAN clarifies ACHRAMS role
FAAN also sought to clarify the purpose of its Airport Commercial and Related Activities Management System (ACHRAMS), stressing that the platform was not an e-hailing service.
According to the agency, ACHRAMS was not designed to compete with or replicate services offered by Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing companies.
Rather, it said the platform was developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within airport environments, while supporting the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
FAAN said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges linked to commercial transport activities at and around airports.
Among the issues, it identified passenger solicitation and touting, which it said had made it necessary to establish a clear framework for managing commercial transport operations.
The authority said its objective was to allow e-hailing operators to continue serving air travellers while ensuring compliance with airport safety and security requirements.
Talks with operators ongoing
FAAN acknowledged the role of Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing platforms in providing passengers with additional and convenient transport options.
The authority said it was keen to conclude discussions with the affected operators as quickly as possible.
It disclosed that constructive engagements were ongoing with e-hailing companies to resolve outstanding issues relating to passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
FAAN maintained that it was committed to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continued to have access to safe, reliable and convenient transport services at Nigerian airports.
