Abah Felicity 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has dismissed suggestions that its airport e-hailing regulations contributed to Uber’s decision to exit the Nigerian market, insisting the company’s departure was driven by its own business considerations rather than the authority’s licensing framework.
Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, made the clarification while speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Friday, following speculation that recent restrictions on airport e-hailing operations were responsible for Uber’s reported withdrawal from Nigeria.
FAAN had last week suspended commercial pick-ups by e-hailing operators at airports pending the conclusion and execution of new licence agreements, a move that generated widespread debate within the transport sector.
The authority also introduced the Airport Car Hire and Rideshare Management System (ACHRAMS), prompting concerns that the policy was designed to favour the new platform at the expense of established e-hailing companies.
Kuku, however, rejected the claims, stressing that FAAN’s intervention was motivated solely by passenger safety and service quality.
“My first responsibility is to ensure that passengers using our airports are safe, protected and enjoy a seamless travel experience,” she said.
“Regarding Uber, I cannot speak for the company. They have their own economic and regulatory reasons for making business decisions, and their exit has nothing to do with FAAN.”
She explained that the authority’s decision followed numerous complaints from travellers, particularly during the December festive season, involving both e-hailing and airport car-hire operators.
According to her, passengers reported incidents ranging from intimidation and fare disputes to being dropped at incorrect destinations, while other complaints raised broader safety concerns.
“We had situations where drivers entered as e-hailing operators and later joined airport car-hire operators to charge excessive fares,” she said.
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