FAAN not responsible for Uber’s Nigeria exit – MD

Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has clarified that the agency was not responsible for Uber's decision to exit the Nigerian market. Kuku asserted that FAAN's actions were motivated by concerns regarding passenger safety, accountability, and reducing touting at airports. The agency temporarily halted e-hailing drivers from conducting commercial pick-ups at FAAN airports following the introduction of its own e-hailing platform, ACHRAMS.

Kuku emphasized that FAAN's role was to ensure passenger safety and a seamless travel experience. She explained that complaints received during the December holiday period, such as unpleasant experiences, intimidation, and passengers being dropped off at incorrect locations, prompted FAAN's intervention. The chief also revealed that some drivers had exploited the airport system by posing as legitimate e-hailing operators and later joining car-hire operators to charge higher fares.

This led to FAAN introducing regulatory oversight for car-hire operators. Kuku stated that the authority's app aimed to improve transparency and provide passengers with information about the operators and drivers transporting them. She dismissed the notion that FAAN's policies contributed to Uber's exit, emphasizing that the company had considered leaving Nigeria for some time.