The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reversed its earlier restriction on Bolt and other e-hailing services operating at airports managed by the authority.
The decision follows widespread public criticism over the high cost of airport transportation after reports emerged of passengers being charged as much as ₦30,000 for some airport taxi trips.
The controversy began after a passenger shared a video online complaining about the cost of a journey from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Ikeja. The passenger said an airport car-hire operator quoted ₦30,000 for the trip, despite similar journeys previously costing significantly less through e-hailing platforms.
The development triggered strong reactions from travellers and other members of the public, with many questioning the affordability of the new airport transportation arrangement.
FAAN had introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) as part of efforts to regulate commercial transportation services within airport premises. The authority explained that the system was designed to improve passenger safety, security, accountability and the management of vehicles operating at airports.
However, the restriction on e-hailing operators generated concerns about reduced transportation options for passengers and the resulting increase in fares.
In response to the backlash, FAAN announced that it had reached an operational agreement with Bolt.
The authority’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said Bolt had been cleared to resume operations at FAAN-managed airports immediately.
FAAN also clarified that ACHRAMS was not created to compete with or replace services provided by e-hailing companies such as Bolt and Uber, nor was it intended to give the authority a monopoly over airport car-hire services.
The authority expressed regret over the inconvenience experienced by passengers during the disruption and said it had reviewed the situation following engagements with relevant stakeholders.
With the new arrangement, passengers using FAAN-managed airports will once again be able to access Bolt services, while discussions with other e-hailing operators are expected to continue.
The development is expected to provide travellers with more transportation options and greater flexibility when seeking rides from Nigerian airports.
