FAAN's Vehicle Upgrade Deadline Threatens 300 Taxi Jobs

Over 300 operators in Nigeria's airport car hire sector are at risk of losing their jobs due to a deadline set by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for October 2026, which mandates the replacement of vehicles manufactured before 2012. Prince Amosola, Chairman of the Airport Cab Operators, stated that the 17 licensed car-hire companies are struggling to comply with the vehicle upgrade requirement, as the cost of a 2012 vehicle ranges from N15 million to N18 million.

Each company currently operates more than 50 vehicles, but FAAN requires a reduction to 30 vehicles per company. Operators have appealed for more time to transition to newer vehicles, including electric vehicles, which they find prohibitively expensive, with costs around N38 million.

The impending deadline threatens not only business owners but also drivers and workers reliant on airport cab operations. Ekwuemeaku Alex highlighted the low income relative to operating costs, while other operators expressed concerns about the abrupt implementation of the policy.