FAAN Clarifies: No Blanket Ban On E-Hailing Services At Airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
The authority said its recent initiative was aimed at establishing an operational framework to ensure safety, security and accountability among commercial transportation operators within airport premises.
FAAN, in a statement issued by its management, explained that the initiative was not intended to restrict passengers’ transportation options or undermine the operations of e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
According to the authority, airports are highly regulated environments, requiring all commercial transportation services operating within them to function under a framework that provides adequate visibility over their vehicles, drivers and operations.
FAAN said the framework was necessary to ensure that transportation providers operating within airport premises were identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airports’ operational and security systems.
The authority also clarified that its ACHRAMS platform was not an e-hailing application and was not developed to compete with or replicate the services offered by Uber, Bolt or other mobility platforms.
It explained that ACHRAMS was primarily designed to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
FAAN said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities around airports, including passenger solicitation and touting.
It stressed that these challenges had necessitated the development of a clear framework for managing commercial transportation operations within airport environments.
The authority, however, acknowledged the important role played by e-hailing companies in providing convenient transportation options for air travellers.
FAAN said it was currently engaged in discussions with affected operators to resolve outstanding issues, particularly those relating to passenger safety, security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
The authority expressed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continue to have access to safe, convenient and accountable transportation services at Nigerian airports.
