FAAN Clears Bolt to Resume Operations at Airports, Denies Fixing Taxi Fares
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has approved the resumption of Bolt services across all its airports, ending the suspension that had left travellers with limited transport options at terminals.
FAAN also issued an apology to passengers for the disruption, acknowledging the hardship caused during the period e-hailing services were unavailable.
In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, clarified that the authority does not regulate fares, contrary to public perception. He explained that airport taxi rates have always existed independently and were not introduced by FAAN or its new management system.
"Following constructive engagements, FAAN and Bolt have reached an agreeable operational framework, and Bolt is cleared to commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately," Agbebire said.
The announcement came after days of public complaints over the suspension, which affected passengers at major airports across the country.
FAAN explained that the suspension was prompted by long-standing concerns over passenger solicitation, touting, unregulated operations, and safety risks. These issues had persisted for nearly a decade and were complicated by drivers operating across multiple platforms without accountability.
"It was in response to these concerns that FAAN introduced ACHRAMS (Airport Car Hire Rank Management System), a queue-management and airport transportation management system designed to bring greater structure, visibility and accountability to the operations of authorised airport car-hire services," Agbebire said.
FAAN moved swiftly to correct misconceptions about fare increases. Agbebire stated that the fares highlighted in recent discussions were not newly imposed by FAAN or created by ACHRAMS.
"Airport taxi fares have existed independently of the application, and the rates themselves were not substantially different from those previously applicable," he clarified.
The authority acknowledged that the visibility provided by ACHRAMS made the costs more apparent, and the comparison with lower e-hailing fares naturally raised public concern.
FAAN emphasised that ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing platform and was never intended to compete with Uber, Bolt, or other mobility services. Its role is strictly limited to managing airport car-hire ranks and authorised operations.
"FAAN supports healthy competition and does not seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation," Agbebire said.
The authority expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and appreciated passengers' patience during the disruption.
"While the authority's actions were driven by regulatory, safety and security considerations rather than economic interests, FAAN acknowledges that the immediate impact on passengers was significant. We have listened, reflected and made the necessary adjustments," Agbebire said.
FAAN confirmed that it continues to engage with other e-hailing operators and expressed confidence that outstanding discussions would be concluded in the coming days.
"We reiterate that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs," Agbebire said. "Our responsibility is to ensure that whichever authorised service they choose operates within a safe, secure, orderly and accountable airport environment."