THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has justified its decision to raise operational charges for airport taxi operators and uphold its vehicle upgrade policy amid protests from some drivers. FAAN stated that these measures aim to enhance passenger safety, service quality, and the overall standard of airport transport services, not to penalize operators.
The clarification follows appeals from airport cab drivers to the Federal Government to suspend the FAAN requirement for airport taxis to be 2020 model vehicles or newer. A driver, speaking in Yoruba in a circulated video, urged President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to help, citing economic difficulties that prevent many operators from affording new vehicles.
“This is what we are facing. Nigerians should help us intervene. They said we should go and buy a vehicle from 2020 onwards. Vehicles that cost N18 million and above, with the way Nigeria is now,” the driver said.
He claimed that the authority intends to introduce an app for airport taxi operations and requested a review of the policy.
Responding to the concerns, FAAN announced that consultations on the vehicle upgrade policy started in July 2024, with the original compliance deadline of January 2026 extended to June 2026 at the request of operators. A final extension until October 2026 is now under consideration to provide further time for compliance.
“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,” the agency said.
However, FAAN emphasized that there will be no extensions beyond the proposed October deadline for airport taxi standards. The directive aims to ensure that taxis are clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained, aligning with international airport expectations.
The authority also defended the increase in the operational tariff for airport cab operators from N500 to N1,500, emphasizing that the previous rate had been unchanged for over eight years despite rising operational costs. The revised charge aims to support the maintenance of airport infrastructure and services.
FAAN rejected claims of failing to engage operators, stating it regularly consults with licensed airport transport service providers. The authority clarified its contractual relationship is with registered airport cab companies, not associations or unions.
It emphasized that the policy aims to enhance safety, reliability, and customer experience, urging operators to adopt reforms for more efficient airport transport services.