Uber, Bolt not banned at Nigerian airports, says FAAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has clarified that it has not imposed a blanket ban on Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, saying its ongoing engagement with the operators is aimed at establishing a framework that guarantees passenger safety, security and orderly airport operations.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

FAAN said its position was not aimed at restricting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the role of e-hailing platforms, but at ensuring that commercial transport services operating within airport premises are properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.

“FAAN wishes to clarify that its position is not, and has never been, directed at limiting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the important role that e-hailing services play in providing convenient mobility to air travellers,” the authority said.

FAAN explained that airports are highly regulated environments and that commercial transport providers must operate under a framework that gives the authority adequate visibility over their vehicles and drivers.

The authority said such arrangements were necessary to ensure that transport providers are “identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airport’s operational and security framework.”

The clarification comes amid reports and public criticism over restrictions on e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The PUNCH reports that the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, is a digital platform introduced by FAAN to modernise airport ground transportation, improve passenger safety and facilitate cashless operations.

The rollout of the platform has, however, generated discussions and protests over vehicle standards, registration requirements and the integration of e-hailing drivers into the airport transport system.

FAAN also sought to clarify the purpose of ACHRAMS, stressing that the platform was not created to compete with existing e-hailing services.

“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and is not intended to compete with or replicate the services provided by Uber, Bolt or any other e-hailing platform,” the authority stated.

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According to FAAN, ACHRAMS was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.

The authority said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges linked to commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.

It said these concerns made it necessary to establish “a clear and effective framework” for managing commercial transportation activities at airports.

FAAN said it had consequently been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to reach “a mutually workable operational framework” that recognises the value of their services while addressing safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements.

“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.

The authority acknowledged concerns from passengers who may have experienced inconvenience while the issues are being resolved, saying it was keen to conclude the discussions quickly.

FAAN said the ongoing talks were focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.

“The Authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues,” it stated.

FAAN expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable understanding would be reached shortly, reiterating that its overriding consideration was to protect passengers while providing a “safe, secure, orderly and seamless airport experience.”

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers continue to have safe and convenient transportation options at Nigerian airports.