‘We’ve no hand in Uber’s exit’ – FAAN opens up on disputes with e-hailing firms

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has firmly refuted allegations that the organization orchestrated Uber's exit from the Nigerian market. During a recent interview, FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, emphasized that the decision to cease operations was driven by Uber's own economic and regulatory considerations.

Kuku explicitly stated that FAAN had no involvement in the matter, stating, "I can't speak to Uber's exit from Nigeria. I am sure they have their own economic and regulatory decisions as to why they chose to exit."

Kuku underscored FAAN's unwavering commitment to passenger safety and the provision of a seamless travel experience at Nigerian airports. She revealed that FAAN had received a substantial number of complaints from passengers during the December holiday season, mostly concerning subpar experiences with various e-hailing and car-hire services. These grievances included instances of intimidation, excessive charges, and instances where passengers were directed to locations different from their intended destinations.

Moreover, FAAN engaged in disputes with certain e-hailing companies over liability issues and the management of dedicated pickup zones at airports. While FAAN agreed to provide these designated pickup areas, it insisted that the companies bear responsibility for the actions of drivers operating under their platforms. Kuku explained that while the authority agreed to the creation of these zones, it disagreed with Uber's stance that drivers were independent contractors rather than employees. This disagreement raised significant safety concerns among FAAN officials.

FAAN also introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) to enhance transparency and accountability within airport transportation services. Kuku reiterated that FAAN does not collect fees on behalf of drivers and does not influence whether passengers opt for e-hailing services or airport car-hire operators. She emphasized that the decision rests solely with the passenger, and FAAN's role is limited to identifying and monitoring these entities for safety purposes.