Bolt, Uber operators engage FAAN amidst knocks over suspension

E-hailing platforms Uber and Bolt are engaging Nigeria's Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to address restrictions that prevent their operations at airport terminals, according to reports from Daily Trust. The criticism from passengers and industry stakeholders over the suspension has fueled the operators' push for a mutually acceptable framework.

FAAN's decision to suspend e-hailing operators from picking up passengers at its terminals has left many passengers relying on traditional car hire services, which charge higher fares. The authority had compelled Bolt and Uber operators to use FAAN's new platform, ACHRAMS, which they rejected. A FAAN official clarified that the restriction was not meant to limit passengers' transportation options or undermine e-hailing platforms but to ensure safety, security, and convenience within airport premises.

FAAN's ACHRAMS platform is designed to provide visibility and tracking for commercial transportation activities, while the authority has received complaints about passenger solicitation and touting. Despite the developers' commitment to resolving the issue, the decision has drawn criticism from industry experts who argue that passengers' convenience should be prioritized in any regulatory decision affecting airport transportation.