The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has lifted the restriction on Bolt operations across airports nationwide, restoring passengers’ access to the e-hailing platform following public outcry over fare hikes and commuting difficulties.
The reversal followed an intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who directed the authority to resolve the transport disruptions.
In a post on his X handle, Keyamo said, “Following my directive to FAAN to urgently address the issue of exorbitant taxi fare increases at our airports, the issue has been resolved as follows.”
FAAN confirmed the resolution in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the decision followed fruitful deliberations between the airport authority and the transport company, culminating in an agreed framework for seamless operations.
The statement said, “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.”
FAAN explained that the initial restrictions were part of broader efforts spanning nearly a decade to address challenges associated with commercial and e-hailing vehicles within airport corridors, including touting, passenger solicitation, unregulated operations, random pick-ups, and safety concerns.
The authority stated, “These challenges, which in some instances involve drivers operating across more than one platform, have made it necessary for the Authority to strengthen the management and visibility of commercial transportation within the airport.”
To tackle these challenges, the authority introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System to regulate accredited airport car-hire services. FAAN clarified that the platform was not intended to stifle mobile transport providers.
FAAN stated, “ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was never conceived as a competitor to Uber, Bolt or any other mobility platform. Its function is limited to the management of airport car-hire ranks and the authorised operations associated with them.”
The agency maintained, “FAAN supports healthy competition and does not seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation.”
Addressing concerns surrounding transport fares, the authority clarified that the rates discussed publicly were not newly imposed by the agency or created by the management system, noting that airport taxi fares had existed independently before the system's deployment.
It noted, “What ACHRAMS introduced was greater visibility and transparency around the prevailing airport-taxi rates, making the cost more readily apparent to passengers.”
FAAN, however, admitted that commuters had grown accustomed to lower charges offered by e-hailing platforms, which amplified concerns over transportation expenses. The agency stated that it was “aware of and deeply appreciates” the concerns expressed by travellers over the disruptions, adding, “We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers.”
The authority noted that the enforcement was aimed at maintaining security and regulatory control rather than commercial gains.
It stated, “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.”
The statement added, “We have listened, reflected and made the necessary adjustments.”
FAAN stated that the deal with Bolt demonstrated that regulatory and security oversight could be maintained alongside commuter convenience.
It noted, “The resolution demonstrates that it is possible to protect the integrity and security of the airport environment while preserving the convenience and freedom of choice that e-hailing services provide to passengers.”
The authority disclosed that discussions with other ride-hailing operators were ongoing and would be concluded soon.
It said, “FAAN remains engaged with other e-hailing operators and is confident that the outstanding discussions will be concluded in the coming days.”
Reassuring travellers of their right to choose convenient transport modes, the agency stated, “FAAN reiterates that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs. Our responsibility is to ensure that whichever authorised service they choose operates within a safe, secure, orderly and accountable airport environment.”
FAAN concluded by stating, “The Authority thanks the travelling public for its patience and understanding and assures passengers that their safety, security, convenience and overall airport experience remain at the centre of FAAN’s decisions.”
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