FAAN's New App Sparks Taxi Driver Controversy

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has introduced a ride-booking app aimed at modernizing airport ground transport, which has led to a dispute among airport taxi drivers. A viral video featuring a distressed driver appealing for intervention from President Bola Tinubu has drawn attention to the requirement for drivers to acquire vehicles from 2020 and above.

This has sparked a broader debate about the economic implications of such requirements amid rising inflation and dwindling purchasing power. FAAN's Director of Commercial Business Development, Adebola Agunbiad, clarified that the minimum vehicle requirement remains at 2012 models and that the initiative is misunderstood.

She stated that FAAN does not intend to reduce the number of airport cab operators and has extended compliance deadlines to accommodate financial constraints. The app aims to enhance passenger safety and streamline operations, with ongoing discussions about integrating ride-hailing companies like Bolt and Uber into the airport transport system.