FAAN denies ban on airport e-hailing taxis

The airport authority says Uber and Bolt remain important to travellers as it works with operators on safety, accountability and pick-up arrangements

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has denied imposing a blanket ban on e-hailing taxis at Nigerian airports, saying its ongoing engagement with operators such as Uber and Bolt is aimed at improving passenger safety, accountability and operational coordination.

Also read: FAAN taxi reform sparks fresh tension among airport cab drivers

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, FAAN said its position was not intended to restrict travellers’ access to transportation or undermine the growing role of ride-hailing services in providing convenient mobility for air passengers.

The FAAN e-hailing taxis clarification followed reports suggesting that the authority had moved to prohibit or significantly restrict e-hailing services within airport premises.

FAAN said airports were highly regulated environments where commercial transport operators must operate under a framework that allows the authority to identify vehicles and drivers and maintain adequate visibility over their activities.

The arrangement, according to the authority, is particularly important during security or passenger-related incidents, when transport providers need to be identifiable and accountable.

“Persons providing transportation services within the airport environment are identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework,” FAAN said.

The authority also sought to clear up confusion surrounding ACHRAMS, a platform that has featured in discussions about the regulation of airport transportation.

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FAAN stressed that ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was not created to compete with Uber, Bolt or other ride-hailing platforms.

Instead, the authority said the system was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within airports, while supporting the management of relevant concession and related airport charges.

FAAN said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation around airport premises.

Those concerns include passenger solicitation and touting, which the authority said made it necessary to establish a clearer framework for managing transport services.

The authority said the framework was not intended to eliminate e-hailing services but to ensure that their operations fit within the airport’s wider safety and security requirements.

“FAAN recognises the significant convenience and additional choice that platforms such as Uber and Bolt provide to passengers,” the statement said.

The clarification comes as e-hailing services have become an increasingly familiar part of urban mobility in Nigeria, particularly for travellers seeking alternatives to traditional airport taxis.

For passengers, the availability of app-based transport offers the ability to request rides, identify drivers and receive estimated fares through established platforms.

FAAN acknowledged that travellers could experience inconvenience while the current operational issues were being resolved.

The authority said it was therefore keen to conclude discussions with affected operators as quickly as possible.

FAAN and the e-hailing companies are currently discussing issues surrounding passenger safety and security, operational visibility, driver and vehicle accountability, and the management of pick-up points within airport premises.

The authority expressed confidence that the discussions would result in a mutually acceptable arrangement.

The latest clarification is significant because a blanket restriction would have affected a widely used transportation option for passengers arriving at or departing from Nigerian airports.

Instead, FAAN’s position suggests that the immediate dispute centres on how e-hailing companies operate within controlled airport environments rather than whether passengers should have access to their services.

The FAAN e-hailing taxis policy discussion therefore remains focused on finding a balance between convenience and the stricter operational requirements of aviation facilities.

For travellers, the outcome of the negotiations could determine how easily passengers continue to access app-based rides at airport terminals, particularly around designated pick-up areas.

FAAN’s stated objective is to preserve that convenience while ensuring that transport providers operate within a robust system of safety, accountability and airport oversight.

Also read: FAAN launches strong aviation security enforcement drive

The authority said it remained committed to concluding the engagement with operators and resolving the outstanding issues promptly.

Victory Emmanuel

Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.