FAAN Says No Blanket Ban On Uber, Bolt At Nigerian Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has said Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services have not been placed under a blanket ban at Nigerian airports.

The agency said talks with operators are still going on and are aimed at setting clear rules for commercial transport around airport terminals, not stopping passengers from using app-based rides.

FAAN issued the clarification on Thursday after complaints and public concern over restrictions affecting e-hailing services at some airports, including Lagos and Abuja.

Punch reported that FAAN said airports are regulated environments and that commercial transport providers must be identifiable and accountable within airport premises. The agency linked the talks to passenger safety, security coordination and traffic order around terminals.

Premium Times reported that FAAN said its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System was not an e-hailing app. The agency described it as a platform for operational visibility, tracking and management of applicable concession and airport charges.

Channels TV reported that FAAN said it had received complaints about passenger solicitation and touting around airport premises. The agency said those concerns made a clearer framework necessary for transport activities at airports.

The clarification means passengers have not been told to stop using e-hailing services, but operators may still face new access, registration or coordination rules as FAAN tries to bring airport transport services under one framework.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times, Channels TV