By Peter Omopo
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reversed its ban on Bolt and other e-hailing services operating at airports across the country following widespread criticism over the cost of airport transportation.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, announced the reversal in a statement issued on Thursday.
The development followed controversy surrounding the authority’s decision to restrict e-hailing services and introduce the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAM) at its airports.
The policy attracted public criticism after a passenger, in a video that went viral on X, alleged that a car hire service under the new arrangement was priced at N30,000 for a journey that would ordinarily cost about N8,000.
The incident triggered concerns over rising transportation costs for passengers using Nigerian airports and intensified calls for FAAN to reconsider the restrictions on e-hailing operators.
FAAN, however, clarified that ACHRAM was not designed as an e-hailing platform and was not intended to replace or monopolise services provided by operators such as Bolt and Uber.
According to the airport authority, discussions with Bolt subsequently produced an operational framework acceptable to both parties.
“The Authority is therefore pleased to announce that, 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 reversal means Bolt drivers can resume operations at FAAN-managed airports under the agreed framework, providing passengers with an additional transportation option.
The authority’s clarification is also expected to ease concerns that the implementation of ACHRAM would effectively limit competition and leave passengers dependent on higher-priced airport car hire services.
The controversy has nevertheless placed renewed attention on the need for affordable, transparent and competitive transportation services at Nigerian airports, particularly amid concerns over the cost of accessing and leaving major aviation terminals.
