FAAN said passenger safety, not Uber, was driving the airport’s e-hailing policy

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, has rejected claims that the agency was responsible for Uber’s reported decision to exit the Nigerian market, and asserted that FAAN’s actions regarding e-hailing operations at airports are based on concerns regarding passenger safety, accountability and the need to tackle touts.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Kuku said Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria, if taken, was entirely a matter for the company and had nothing to do with FAAN’s regulatory activities at the country’s airports.

“I work for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and my first responsibility is to ensure that our passengers are safe, secure and have a smooth passenger experience.

“Regarding Uber, I can’t talk about their exit from Nigeria. I’m sure they have their own economic and regulatory considerations as to why they chose to leave.”

His comments follow the controversy surrounding FAAN’s temporary restrictions on commercial pickups by e-hailing drivers at airports pending the conclusion and signing of licensing agreements. Critics alleged that the move was intended to create space for ACHRAMS, the airport’s e-hailing platform that was introduced in the airport premises.

But Kuku said FAAN’s intervention became necessary following numerous complaints from passengers, especially during the December holiday season, over their experiences with some e-hailing and car rental operators.

“We received many complaints, especially before the December holiday period, from passengers who used several e-hailing services, as well as car rental services, and had very unpleasant experiences,” he said.

According to him, some complaints involved intimidation and situations where passengers were allegedly taken to destinations other than their intended destination, while other incidents raised more serious safety concerns.

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The FAAN boss also accused some drivers operating through e-hailing platforms of exploiting access to the airport environment by presenting themselves as legitimate e-hailing operators before allegedly merging with car rental operators to charge passengers higher rates.

“We also had situations where some Uber and Bolt drivers got out of their cars under the guise of coming to the airport as e-hailing drivers, and then joined forces with car rental operators to charge higher rates.

“Because of the many complaints about touts at the airport, it is important for us to provide some kind of regulatory oversight for car rental operators,” he stressed.

Kuku explained that the digital platform introduced by FAAN was not designed to operate transportation services but to increase transparency by allowing passengers to know the identity of the car rental company and the driver who took them from the airport.

“The application that was developed is very focused on ensuring passengers can know who the car rental company is and who the driver is who is taking them from Point A to Point B,” he explained.

He further stressed that FAAN does not employ drivers or collect transport fares on their behalf.

“FAAN does not collect money on behalf of the driver. The car rental driver is not a FAAN driver. All we do is provide an indication of the fare based on the purpose of your trip,” he said.

Regarding concerns regarding transportation costs from the airport, Kuku stated that passengers have the freedom to choose between booking a vehicle in advance, using an e-hailing platform, or hiring a car rental operator.

“Passengers are free to choose whether to book a car in advance, use an e-hailing application, or use a car rental service. We have no jurisdiction over that,” said Kuku.

He said FAAN’s primary responsibility is to ensure proper identification and accountability for individuals providing transportation services within the airport environment.

“The only responsibility I have is to ensure that passengers can know who is driving them and that there is accountability for those operating at our airport.”

Kuku also identified disagreements over responsibilities as one of the main challenges in FAAN’s engagement with e-hailing companies. While the companies are looking for designated pick-up locations at airports, FAAN, he said, wants clearer responsibilities for the behavior and safety of drivers operating through their platforms.

“One of the issues we struggle with with e-hailing companies is largely around liability clauses.

“But we also want them to be responsible towards the drivers. However, we were told that the drivers were not Uber drivers; they were independent drivers.

“So, in terms of the safety concerns that we raised, they want passengers to use the safety features that are available on their platform. They don’t want to take that responsibility, and we have a big problem with that.”

FAAN’s managing director ultimately rejected suggestions that the authority’s policies forced Uber out of Nigeria, arguing that the company’s business considerations went far beyond airport operations.

“I am sure they have their reasons, and I know they have been considering leaving Nigeria for a long time, that is why we have problems with them.

“So, this has nothing to do with FAAN. Again, this airport is only a small part of their operating area in Nigeria.”