Uber, Bolt Not Banned at Nigerian Airports, Says FAAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services have not been banned from operating at Nigerian airports.

FAAN made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, following reports and public concerns over restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some of its airports.

The authority said its ongoing engagement with e-hailing operators was aimed at establishing a framework that would guarantee passenger safety, security and orderly airport operations.

FAAN said its position was not intended to restrict passengers’ access to transportation options or undermine the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility for air travellers.

It explained that airports were highly regulated environments and that commercial transport providers operating within airport premises must comply with arrangements that give the authority adequate visibility over their vehicles and drivers.

According to FAAN, such measures are necessary to ensure that transport providers operating at airports are identifiable, accountable and properly integrated into the airports’ operational and security framework.

The authority said it recognised the important role played by e-hailing services in providing transportation for passengers and would continue engaging the operators to develop an appropriate operating framework.

The clarification follows concerns over reported restrictions on e-hailing services at some FAAN-managed airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

FAAN urged the public to disregard claims that Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services had been completely banned from Nigerian airports.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, secure and efficient airport operations while working with transport operators to improve the experience of air travellers.