FAAN clears Bolt to resume operations at airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has resolved the operational issues surrounding Bolt’s activities at its managed airports, clearing the e-hailing company to resume services immediately.

FAAN also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the temporary interruption of e-hailing services, saying it had made the necessary adjustments after listening to travellers’ concerns.

The authority disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the decision followed constructive engagements between FAAN and Bolt, which resulted in an agreement on a framework for the e-hailing company’s operations at FAAN-managed airports.

“The Authority is therefore pleased to announce that, following constructive engagements, FAAN and Bolt have reached an agreeable operational framework and Bolt is cleared to commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately,” FAAN stated.

The resolution came amid concerns over the temporary disruption of e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, which had left passengers with fewer transportation options and prompted complaints over inconvenience.

FAAN said its efforts to regulate commercial and e-hailing vehicles at airports were driven by concerns over passenger solicitation, touting, unregulated operations, random pick-ups, and safety and security.

“These challenges, which in some instances involve drivers operating across more than one platform, have made it necessary for the Authority to strengthen the management and visibility of commercial transportation within the airport,” the authority said.

FAAN explained that it had introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, as part of efforts to bring greater structure and accountability to airport transportation.

It stressed that the system was not created to compete with e-hailing companies.

“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was never conceived as a competitor to Uber, Bolt or any other mobility platform. Its function is limited to the management of airport car-hire ranks and the authorised operations associated with them,” it stated.

The authority said the agreement with Bolt demonstrated that airport security and regulation could coexist with passengers’ access to e-hailing services.

“The resolution demonstrates that it is possible to protect the integrity and security of the airport environment while preserving the convenience and freedom of choice that e-hailing services provide to passengers,” FAAN said.

FAAN also disclosed that discussions with other e-hailing operators were ongoing, expressing confidence that the outstanding engagements would be concluded in the coming days.

“FAAN remains engaged with other e-hailing operators and is confident that the outstanding discussions will be concluded in the coming days,” it stated.

The authority further assured passengers that they remained free to choose their preferred transportation options, provided the services operated within the approved airport framework.

“FAAN reiterates that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs,” it said.

The authority apologised for the difficulties passengers experienced during the temporary interruption of the services.

“We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers,” FAAN stated, adding that the welfare, convenience and security of travellers remained central to its decisions.

The development affects operations at FAAN-managed airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where the disruption of e-hailing services had generated concerns among travellers.