FAAN resolves airport transit crisis, apologises to passengers, approves Bolt operations

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has offered an unreserved apology to the travelling public following days of disruption and public outcry stemming from a crackdown on e-hailing services across its airport terminals.

The aviation security authority also announced a major breakthrough, confirming it has reached a new operational framework agreement with e-hailing giant Bolt, clearing the platform to resume immediate pickups at all FAAN-managed airports nationwide.

The standoff began after FAAN moved to enforce the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS)—a digital queue-management platform designed to curb touting, passenger solicitation, and security vulnerabilities caused by unregulated commercial drivers.

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.

However, the system’s integration triggered sudden service suspensions across popular e-hailing platforms, stranding passengers and forcing them to rely on traditional airport taxis with significantly higher fares.

Addressing the controversy, FAAN’s director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire in a statement clarified that ACHRAMS was never intended to act as a monopoly or directly compete with platforms like Uber or Bolt.

The authority stressed that the widely criticised high rates were existing airport taxi fares rather than new tariffs imposed by FAAN, though it acknowledged that making these prices visible against lower e-hailing rates understandably sparked public outrage.

Key highlights of the resolution revealed that Bolt has finalised terms with FAAN, restoring seamless, authorised access for drivers and app users across FAAN terminals. The agency is also actively negotiating with other e-hailing operators, with similar resolution frameworks expected within days.

The new operational structure preserves passenger freedom of choice while giving FAAN mandatory visibility over drivers operating within terminal zones.

FAAN conceded that while its interventions were driven by safety and regulatory obligations, the real-world impact on passengers caused undue hardship and higher costs.

The agreement strikes a crucial balance between maintaining rigorous security within airport precincts and protecting the convenience, affordability, and freedom of choice modern travellers demand.

Wole Shadare