The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has denied fixing or newly imposing the controversial ₦30,000 taxi fare for journeys from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Ikeja, Lagos.

FAAN made the clarification on Thursday following public criticism over the fare after a viral video showed a passenger being quoted ₦30,000 for a trip from the airport to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority said the fare was not introduced by FAAN or created through its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS.

FAAN said airport taxi fares had existed independently of the new platform and that the rates were not substantially different from those previously applicable.

The authority explained that ACHRAMS was introduced to provide greater visibility and transparency around prevailing airport taxi rates, making the cost of journeys more apparent to passengers.

The clarification followed criticism after travel content creator Chris Joondeph, popularly known as “Authentic Traveling”, shared a video showing his experience at the airport.

Joondeph said an airport car-hire operator quoted him ₦30,000 for a journey to Ikeja, prompting him to reject the fare and order an alternative ride-hailing service.

A comparison of fares showed that other ride-hailing platforms offered significantly lower prices for the same journey, further fuelling public criticism.

FAAN acknowledged that the comparison had heightened concerns among passengers who were accustomed to cheaper services from platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

The controversy also comes amid FAAN’s recent efforts to reorganise airport transport services and regulate the operations of car-hire operators at Nigerian airports.

The authority has maintained that its reforms are intended to improve passenger safety, comfort, reliability and service quality.

Meanwhile, FAAN has also resolved operational issues affecting Bolt’s activities at its managed airports, clearing the ride-hailing company to resume services immediately.

The authority said it remained committed to improving airport transportation while ensuring that passengers received clear information about applicable fares and available transport options.