FAAN faces backlash over N30,000 airport taxi fare

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is facing backlash over its newly introduced airport car-hire service, with a viral video showing a passenger being quoted N30,000 for a trip from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Ikeja. Travel content creator Chris Joondeph, known as "Authentic Traveling," shared his experience, expressing shock at the exorbitant fare.

The fare, he noted, was significantly higher than the usual N8,000 he typically paid for the same journey. Comparing prices, it was found that ACHRAMS, FAAN's new car-hire platform, lists fares from the airport to the city centre between N10,000 and N20,000, while trips to suburbs range from N20,000 to N30,000. Other e-hailing services, such as Bolt and Uber, offered lower fares for the same route.

Social media users expressed outrage, labeling the price as "exploitation" and a "rip-off." Critics argue that the fare highlights a conflict of interest, as FAAN should be focusing on its core responsibilities rather than engaging in commercial activities. Industry experts urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to take action and prevent private entities from prioritising their own interests over the public good.