The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has moved to dispel reports of a blanket restriction on Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing platforms at Nigerian airports.
It stated the companies remain free to operate once an acceptable system for their activities within airport premises is established.
FAAN made the clarification on Thursday in Lagos following concerns generated by an earlier position on the activities of commercial transport operators at airports.
The authority said its engagement with e-hailing companies was aimed at resolving operational and security concerns rather than shutting down services that have become an important transport option for air travellers.
According to FAAN, the peculiar security requirements of airports make it necessary for every commercial transport operator working within their premises to operate under a clearly defined framework.
It said such an arrangement would enable the authority to identify vehicles and drivers, monitor their activities and ensure accountability whenever security or passenger-related incidents occur.
FAAN said its concern was heightened by the volume of passengers moving through airports and challenges associated with commercial transportation, including passenger solicitation and touting.
The authority stressed that transportation providers operating within airport premises must be properly integrated into the airport’s security and operational structure.
“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” the authority said.
FAAN disclosed that it was already engaging representatives of e-hailing operators with a view to reaching an arrangement that would allow the services to continue while meeting the authority’s safety, security and operational requirements.
The agency acknowledged that platforms such as Uber and Bolt have expanded the transportation choices available to passengers and recognised the convenience they offer, particularly to travellers seeking alternatives to traditional airport transport services.
It nevertheless said passenger convenience must be balanced with the need to maintain order, accountability and security within airport premises.
FAAN also clarified the role of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, following suggestions that the platform was intended to replace e-hailing applications.
The authority explained that ACHRAMS was not an e-hailing platform but an airport management system designed to provide operational visibility and enable the tracking and administration of commercial transport activities, including applicable concession and related charges.
FAAN said the system was part of efforts to improve the management of transportation services within the airport environment rather than an attempt to compete with or eliminate e-hailing companies.
The authority said discussions with the operators were focused on issues including passenger safety, security, driver and vehicle identification, accountability and the regulation of pick-up arrangements at airports.
It admitted that passengers could experience some inconvenience while the issues were being resolved but said it was working to conclude the discussions with the operators as quickly as possible.
FAAN maintained that the objective was to create a system under which e-hailing companies could continue providing services to airport passengers without compromising the security and operational standards required within the nation’s airports.
