FAAN: Bolt, Uber Suspension at Airports Temporary, Licence Talks Ongoing

ABUJA — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said the suspension of Bolt and Uber operations at airports under its management is temporary, with both platforms expected to resume once outstanding licence agreements are finalised.

FAAN made the clarification after public concerns followed an internal directive ordering the two e-hailing companies to halt commercial activities at FAAN-managed airports.

The directive, contained in a July 30, 2026 memo signed by the General Manager, Commercial Services, U.R. Liman, instructed airport managers to suspend the operations of Bolt and Uber until their licence agreements were concluded.

The memo stated: “Please be informed that pending the finalisation and execution of the License Agreement with Bolt and Uber, the authority has directed Messrs Bolt and Messrs Uber to cease all commercial operations at all FAAN-managed airports immediately. Consequently, you are to ensure that all operations of both Bolt and Uber are suspended until their License Agreements have been finalised and concluded.”

FAAN, however, said the directive should not be interpreted as a permanent ban on e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.

According to the authority, the decision was based on the need to strengthen safety, security, operational visibility and accountability within the highly regulated airport environment.

“FAAN wishes to clarify that its position is not, and has never been, directed at limiting passengers’ access to transportation options or undermining the important role that e-hailing services play in providing convenient mobility to air travellers,” it said.

The authority explained that all commercial transportation providers operating inside airport premises must have an appropriate framework that enables FAAN to identify and monitor their vehicles, drivers and activities.

It said this was particularly important because of the volume of passengers using the airports and the need for transport operators to be properly integrated into security and operational procedures.

ACHRAMS Not an Alternative to Bolt, Uber

FAAN also dismissed what it described as a misconception that its ACHRAMS platform was intended to compete with e-hailing companies.

“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and is not intended to compete with or replicate the services provided by Uber, Bolt or any other e-hailing platform,” FAAN stated.

The authority said the platform was developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within airport facilities while supporting the management of concessions and related airport charges.

FAAN said it had also identified challenges associated with commercial transportation around its airports, including passenger solicitation and touting.

It said these challenges underscored the need for a clear framework governing commercial transport activities within airport premises.

FAAN, Operators Seek Resolution

The authority disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the affected e-hailing companies in an effort to establish a mutually workable arrangement.

“Against this background, FAAN has been engaging the relevant e-hailing operators to achieve a mutually workable operational framework that recognises the value of their services while addressing the peculiar safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of the airport environment,” it said.

FAAN stressed that the current situation should not be viewed as a blanket ban on e-hailing platforms.

“The current situation should therefore not be misconstrued as FAAN declaring a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services,” it said.

Instead, the authority described the move as part of an operational alignment process aimed at allowing Bolt and Uber to continue serving airport passengers under a framework that meets regulatory requirements.

FAAN acknowledged the convenience offered by the two platforms and said it understood the concerns of passengers experiencing difficulties as the discussions continue.

The authority said it was committed to resolving the matter as quickly as possible.

“The authority and the affected operators are currently engaged in constructive discussions towards resolving the outstanding issues, particularly those relating to passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the appropriate management of pick-up activities within the airport environment,” FAAN said.

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