The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its recent reforms affecting airport taxi operations across the country, insisting that the measures are aimed at improving passenger experience, enhancing service quality, and aligning airport transportation services with international standards.
The Authority was responding to concerns raised by some members of the Association of Private Cab Operators over new vehicle requirements and revised operational charges at Nigerian airports. FAAN maintained that as the agency responsible for managing the nation’s airports, it has a duty to ensure that all passenger-facing services meet acceptable standards of safety, comfort, and professionalism.
According to FAAN, the directive requiring airport cab operators to replace older vehicles with newer models is part of a broader effort to improve reliability, passenger comfort, roadworthiness, and overall service delivery within airport environments. The Authority noted that airports serve as the first and last point of contact for many visitors and therefore play a critical role in shaping perceptions about the country.
FAAN stated that passengers using airport taxi services deserve clean, well-maintained, safe, and comfortable vehicles that reflect the standards expected at modern international airports. The vehicle upgrade policy, it said, is consistent with global best practices and forms part of ongoing initiatives to raise service standards across Nigeria’s airport network.
The Authority also justified its decision to review operational tariffs for airport cab operators, explaining that the existing charge of ₦500 had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation, increasing maintenance costs, and significant changes in the broader economic environment.
FAAN argued that the adjustment of the operational fee from ₦500 to ₦1,500 should be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services. It stressed that the review was neither arbitrary nor excessive and was necessary to support efficient airport operations.
On allegations that it had failed to engage with affected operators, FAAN clarified that it maintains regular consultations with licensed airport transport service providers through established stakeholder engagement channels. However, the Authority explained that its contractual and regulatory relationships are with registered cab companies operating within airport premises and not with associations or unions representing them.
FAAN further disclosed that discussions on the vehicle upgrade policy began as far back as July 2024, giving operators ample notice to prepare for compliance. The original implementation deadline was subsequently extended to January 2026 and later to June 2026 following requests from operators seeking additional time.
In what it described as a demonstration of goodwill and understanding of current economic challenges, the Authority revealed that it is considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026. FAAN said the additional period should provide sufficient opportunity for operators to meet the required standards.
The Authority emphasised that the policy is not intended to penalise operators or deny legitimate business opportunities but rather to ensure that airport transportation services meet the expectations of the travelling public. Having granted multiple extensions over a period exceeding two years, FAAN indicated that no further requests for deadline extensions are expected to be considered beyond the proposed October 2026 date.
Reaffirming the importance of airport taxi operators within the aviation ecosystem, FAAN called on service providers to embrace the reforms and work collaboratively towards delivering safer, more efficient, and customer-focused transportation services.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to implementing policies that place passengers at the centre of service delivery while ensuring that Nigerian airports reflect the standards of a modern and competitive aviation sector. It added that the cooperation of all stakeholders remains essential to achieving the shared goal of building airport facilities and services that Nigerians can be proud of.
