The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it has not imposed a blanket ban on e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt at the nation’s airports, noting that discussions are ongoing with the operators to establish a workable framework for their operations.

FAAN made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, following reports and concerns over the status of e-hailing services in some Nigerian airports.

The Authority said its position was not aimed at restricting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility to air travellers.

“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 statement said.

FAAN Explains Restrictions

According to the Authority, airports are highly regulated environments, requiring all commercial transportation services operating on their premises to have appropriate frameworks that allow FAAN to maintain visibility over their operations, vehicles and drivers.

It said such arrangements were also necessary to ensure effective coordination in the event of security or passenger-related incidents.

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

“These concerns make it imperative for FAAN to have a clear and effective framework for managing commercial transportation activities at the airport,” it said.

The Authority added that it had been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually workable 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.

“Rather, it is part of an ongoing process of operational alignment with the objective of ensuring that e-hailing services can continue to serve passengers within a framework that meets the requirements of the airport,” the airport authority noted.

ACHRAMS Not E-Hailing Platform

FAAN also clarified the role of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), saying the platform was not designed to compete with Uber, Bolt or other 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 said.

It explained that ACHRAMS was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment while facilitating the management of applicable concessions and related airport charges.

The clarification comes amid concerns over the implementation of ACHRAMS and the regulatory requirements for commercial transportation operators at airports.

FAAN has previously said the system was designed to modernise airport ground transportation, improve coordination and strengthen passenger safety and security. The Authority has also said discussions were ongoing with Uber and Bolt to enable their integration into the new framework.

Uber, Bolt Discussions Ongoing

FAAN said it recognised the convenience and additional choice that Uber and Bolt provide to passengers, adding that it appreciated concerns from travellers who may experience inconvenience while the operational issues are being resolved.

“The Authority equally appreciates the concerns being expressed by passengers who may experience inconvenience while these operational issues are being resolved,” it said.

The Authority said it and the affected operators were currently engaged in “constructive discussions” to resolve outstanding issues, particularly those relating to passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport environments.

FAAN said the discussions needed to be concluded “expeditiously” and expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable understanding would be reached shortly.

It reiterated that passenger protection remained its overriding consideration.

FAAN 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.

The Authority’s latest clarification follows earlier reports that Uber and Bolt faced restrictions on airport pick-ups pending the conclusion of formal agreements with FAAN. (PUNCH)

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