The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to increase operational tariff for airport cab operators and enforce vehicle upgrade requirements, saying the measures are necessary to improve passenger experience and maintain service standards at Nigerian airports.
Some airport cab operators had threatened to ground
operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport,
Abuja, on July 1 if FAAN fails to reverse what they described as anti-operator
policies.
The drivers, under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Private Cab
Operators (NUPCO), said the policies include a directive requiring them to stop
using vehicles manufactured before 2012 with effect from July 1, 2026.
In a statement on Monday, FAAN said it has noted recent
comments and concerns expressed by some members of the association of private
cab operators regarding its directives on vehicle standards and operational
tariffs at Nigerian airports.
According to the statement, airports serve as gateways to
the country and must reflect acceptable standards of safety, comfort and
professionalism.
The authority said its directive requiring cab operators to
upgrade to newer vehicle models is aimed at improving reliability, comfort,
safety and overall passenger satisfaction.
“Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean,
roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect
the premium environment expected of a modern international airport,” FAAN said.
FAAN also justified the review of operational tariffs,
noting that the existing N500 charge had remained unchanged for more than eight
years despite rising inflation, maintenance costs and broader economic
pressures.
“The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be
viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to
sustain critical airport infrastructure and services,” the statement said.
“Even with the review, FAAN remains mindful of the
challenges faced by operators and has continued to engage stakeholders
constructively.”
The authority also dismissed claims that it had refused to
engage airport cab operators, stating that it maintains a structured
stakeholder engagement framework and routinely interfaces with licensed airport
transport service providers.
According to FAAN, its regulatory and contractual
relationship is with registered cab companies rather than associations or
unions representing them.
The agency said discussions on operational matters are
therefore conducted directly with the affected corporate entities in accordance
with established procedures.
‘NO FURTHER REQUESTS FOR EXTENSION EXPECTED’
On the implementation timeline for the vehicle upgrade
policy, FAAN said operators were first notified of the requirement in July 2024
and have since been granted multiple extensions to comply.
The authority said the original deadline was extended to
January 2026 following requests from operators, while a further extension was
granted until June 2026.
“These extensions were approved in recognition of the
prevailing economic circumstances and to provide operators with sufficient time
to comply with the requirements,” the statement added.
“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration,
FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline
until October 2026.
“This additional period is expected to provide adequate
opportunity for operators to align with the required standards.
“It must, however, be emphasised that the objective of the
policy is not to punish operators or deprive any one of legitimate business
opportunities.
“Rather, it is to ensure that airport transportation
services meet the quality standards expected by the travelling public.”
FAAN said operators have been given more than two years to
prepare for compliance and indicated that no further requests for extensions
are expected to be considered beyond the proposed final deadline.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a
mutually beneficial relationship with airport cab companies and urged operators
to support efforts aimed at improving service delivery.
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