FAAN Denies Airport Rules Caused Uber's Nigeria Exit

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, refuted claims that its airport policies led to Uber's decision to cease operations in Nigeria. Kuku emphasized that the authority's actions were intended to protect passengers and ensure accountability among e-hailing operators, not to drive any company out of the market.

She noted that Uber's exit was based on the company's own economic and regulatory considerations. FAAN had temporarily restricted e-hailing drivers from picking up passengers at airports while finalizing licensing agreements, which raised concerns among stakeholders who believed it favored FAAN's own transport platform, ACHRAMS.

Kuku explained that the restrictions were implemented after numerous passenger complaints during the December holiday period regarding driver behavior, including being dropped off at unintended locations. Disagreements over driver liability were cited as a central issue between FAAN and e-hailing companies, with FAAN willing to provide dedicated pick-up zones if the companies accepted responsibility for their drivers.