The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resolved the operational issues surrounding e-hailing services at airports, announcing that Bolt has been cleared to resume operations at all FAAN-managed airports with immediate effect.
The development followed engagements between FAAN and Bolt aimed at establishing an operational framework that addresses safety, security, accountability and the convenience of passengers using e-hailing platforms.
In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN acknowledged the inconvenience passengers experienced during the temporary interruption of e-hailing services.
“FAAN is aware of and deeply appreciates the concerns expressed by passengers over the increased cost and inconvenience experienced during the temporary interruption of e-hailing services,” the statement said.
The Authority also apologised to travellers affected by the situation, noting that the decision to regulate the services was not motivated by economic interests.
“We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers,” FAAN stated.
It explained that the measures were introduced because of concerns that had developed over the years from the activities of commercial and e-hailing vehicles within airport environments.
According to the Authority, these concerns included increasing cases of passenger solicitation and touting, unregulated operations, random pick-ups, as well as safety, security and accountability issues.
FAAN said some drivers were also operating across more than one platform, making it necessary to strengthen the management and visibility of commercial transportation within airports.
As part of efforts to address the situation, the Authority introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS. The system was designed to bring greater structure and accountability to authorised airport car-hire operations.
FAAN, however, clarified that ACHRAMS was not created as an e-hailing application or as a competitor to platforms such as Bolt and Uber.
“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was never conceived as a competitor to Uber, Bolt or any other mobility platform,” the Authority said.
It added that the system was limited to the management of airport car-hire ranks and authorised operations associated with them.
FAAN further stressed that it supports competition and does not intend to create a monopoly in airport transportation.
The Authority also addressed concerns over fares, explaining that the rates being discussed publicly were not newly imposed by FAAN or created by ACHRAMS. It said airport taxi fares had existed independently of the system.
According to FAAN, what ACHRAMS changed was the visibility and transparency surrounding existing airport taxi rates, making the costs more noticeable to passengers who had become accustomed to lower fares through e-hailing platforms.
FAAN said it had “listened, reflected and made the necessary adjustments” following the concerns raised by passengers.
It subsequently announced that an agreement had been reached with Bolt, allowing the company to immediately commence services at FAAN-managed airports.
“The resolution demonstrates that it is possible to protect the integrity and security of the airport environment while preserving the convenience and freedom of choice that e-hailing services provide to passengers,” FAAN said.
The Authority added that discussions were still ongoing with other e-hailing operators and expressed confidence that outstanding issues would be resolved in the coming days.
FAAN assured passengers that they remained free to choose from available transportation options while promising to ensure that authorised services operate in a safe, secure, orderly and accountable environment.
The Authority thanked travellers for their patience and understanding, maintaining that passenger safety, security, convenience and overall airport experience would remain central to its decisions.