The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cleared app-based transport services company, Bolt to resume operations at its managed airports after reaching an agreeable framework with the company. The development follows constructive engagements over the operation of app-based transport services within Nigeria’s airport environment, according to FAAN Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire.
The agreement means Bolt can commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately. It also resolves a major issue surrounding passenger access to digital transport services, following concerns over solicitation, random pick-ups and the wider management of commercial vehicles at airports. Meanwhile, FAAN said it remains engaged with other operators to resolve outstanding issues.
App-based transport services remain allowed at FAAN airports
According to Mr Agbebire, FAAN’s position is not to prevent passengers from using app-based transport services. Instead, the airports managers has been seeking a sustainable operational framework that protects airport safety, security and accountability while preserving passenger choice.
The clarification is significant because the recent disruption to digital transport operations had raised concerns among passengers. FAAN said the disruption resulted from efforts to address challenges associated with commercial and app-based vehicles operating within the airport environment.
For nearly a decade, FAAN has worked to address problems linked to commercial transportation at its airports. These include passenger solicitation and touting, unregulated operations, random pick-ups and concerns over safety, security and accountability. Some drivers also operate across multiple platforms, making effective monitoring more difficult.
FAAN therefore introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS, to bring greater structure to airport transportation. The system is designed to manage airport car-hire ranks while improving visibility and accountability for authorised car-hire operations.
However, Mr Agbebire stressed that ACHRAMS is not an app-based transport application. He said it was also never designed to compete with Uber, Bolt or other mobility platforms.
Instead, ACHRAMS is limited to managing airport car-hire ranks and authorised operations. FAAN also maintained that it supports healthy competition and does not intend to create a monopoly in airport transportation.
FAAN addresses airport transport concerns
The Authority also clarified concerns surrounding airport taxi fares that featured prominently during the recent public debate. According to Mr Agbebire, the fares were not newly imposed by FAAN or introduced through ACHRAMS.
He explained that airport taxi fares existed independently of the system. The rates were also not substantially different from those previously applicable. However, ACHRAMS made existing fares more visible and transparent to passengers using airport taxi services.
The comparison with lower fares offered through app-based transport services subsequently heightened concerns among travellers. FAAN acknowledged that the temporary interruption of digital transport services created additional costs and inconvenience for passengers.
Mr Agbebire said the Authority recognised the impact of the disruption and apologised to affected passengers.
“We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers.”
He said FAAN’s actions were driven by regulatory, safety and security considerations rather than economic interests. Nevertheless, the Authority acknowledged that passengers experienced significant inconvenience during the period.
FAAN said it has therefore listened to the concerns raised, reviewed the situation and made necessary adjustments. The agreement with Bolt now provides a pathway for the company to operate within the airport environment while meeting the Authority’s operational requirements.
Bolt cleared as FAAN engages other operators
The agreement between FAAN and Bolt demonstrates that airport security and passenger convenience can coexist. The Authority said the resolution preserves the freedom of choice that app-based transport services provide while maintaining an orderly airport environment.
FAAN also said discussions with other digital transport operators are continuing. The Authority expressed confidence that outstanding engagements will be concluded in the coming days.
For passengers, the development means transportation choices remain available at FAAN-managed airports. Travellers can therefore choose the option that best meets their needs, provided the service is authorised to operate within the airport environment.
FAAN said its responsibility is to ensure every authorised transportation service operates safely and accountably. The airports manager also stressed that passenger safety, security, convenience and the overall airport experience remain central to its decisions.
The development represents an important shift in the airport transportation dispute. Rather than eliminating app-based transport services, FAAN’s approach is now focused on establishing clear operating arrangements for providers such as Bolt.
FAAN’s engagement with other operators will determine how broadly the new framework is applied. Meanwhile, Bolt’s clearance provides immediate relief for passengers who depend on digital transport to access or leave FAAN-managed airports.
