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.

FAAN management clarified a statement on Thursday in Lagos. The agency said it was in discussions with operators to establish a workable framework for their operations.

It said the position on e-hailing services was not meant to restrict passengers’ access to transportation options or undermine the convenience the platforms provide.

FAAN disclosed that its primary concern was ensuring that commercial transportation activities within airport premises complied with safety, security and operational requirements.

The agency noted that airports are highly regulated environments, requiring all commercial transportation providers to have an appropriate framework that gives the airport authority visibility over their vehicles, drivers and operations.

FAAN also pointed out that such a framework is also necessary to ensure effective coordination in the event of security- or passenger-related incidents. It explained that the requirement was particularly important because of the volume of passenger movement at airports.

FAAN said transportation providers operating in the environment needed to be identifiable, accountable, and integrated into the airport’s operational and security structure.

It also clarified that its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) platform, unveiled by FAAN, was not an e-hailing application.

FAAN said that ACHRAMS was developed primarily to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, while facilitating the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.

It said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities within and around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.

“The authority has been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to develop a mutually acceptable operational framework that will recognise the value of our service.

“FAAN is addressing the safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of the airport environment. The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.

According to FAAN, the ongoing engagement aims to ensure e-hailing services can continue to serve passengers within a framework that meets airport operational requirements.

It acknowledged the convenience and additional transportation choices provided by platforms such as Uber and Bolt. However, it recognised concerns from passengers who might experience inconvenience during the resolution of the issues.

FAAN said it was keen to conclude discussions with the operators expeditiously, adding that the outstanding issues included passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability, and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.

(NAN)