Nigerian Airport Cab Operators Face Vehicle Upgrade Deadline

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has set an October deadline for airport cab operators to replace vehicles manufactured before 2012, potentially affecting over 300 jobs in Nigeria’s airport cab-hire sector. Prince Amosola, Chairman of the Airport Cab Operators, stated that the 17 licensed car-hire companies are struggling to meet the vehicle upgrade requirement due to high costs, with a 2012 vehicle priced between N15 million and N18 million.

Each company currently operates more than 50 vehicles but must reduce their fleets to 30. Operators have appealed for an extension, arguing that the transition to newer vehicles should be gradual.

They are also exploring electric vehicles but find the costs prohibitive, with one electric vehicle priced at N38 million. Ekwuemeaku Alex from Edom Comfort Auto Lease Ltd highlighted the low income relative to operating costs, while Alhaji Sulieman Maman from Leviticus Auto Car Service Ltd criticized the abrupt implementation of the policy, advocating for a more gradual approach.