By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to enforce higher vehicle standards for airport taxi operators and review operational tariffs, insisting that the measures are necessary to improve passenger experience, enhance safety, and align airport transportation services with global best practices.
In a statement issued in response to concerns raised by some members of the Association of Private Cab Operators, the Authority said its actions were guided by the need to maintain acceptable service standards across Nigerian airports and ensure that passengers enjoy safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation services.
FAAN stressed that airports serve as the first and last point of contact for many visitors to the country, making it imperative to uphold high standards across all aspects of airport operations, including ground transportation.
According to the Authority, the directive requiring airport cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models is aimed at improving reliability, passenger comfort, safety, and overall service quality.
“Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport,” FAAN stated.
Addressing criticisms surrounding the review of operational tariffs, the Authority explained that the existing N500 charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation, increasing operational costs, and significant changes in the business environment.
FAAN argued that the revised tariff of N1,500 should be viewed within the context of current economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services.
The Authority maintained that the increase was neither arbitrary nor excessive, noting that it had remained sensitive to the challenges faced by operators while continuing to engage stakeholders on issues affecting their operations.
On allegations of inadequate consultation, FAAN clarified that it regularly engages with licensed airport transport service providers through an established stakeholder engagement framework.
However, it explained that its regulatory and contractual relationship exists directly with registered cab companies operating within airport premises rather than with associations or unions representing them.
“Discussions and engagements on operational matters are conducted directly with the affected corporate entities in accordance with established procedures,” the Authority noted.
FAAN also highlighted the flexibility it has demonstrated regarding compliance with the vehicle upgrade policy. The Authority revealed that discussions on the initiative began as far back as July 2024, with operators given ample notice to prepare for implementation.
Following appeals from operators, the initial compliance deadline was extended first to January 2026 and later to June 2026.
In what it described as a further demonstration of goodwill, FAAN disclosed that it is considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026 to allow operators additional time to meet the required standards.
The Authority, however, emphasised that the policy was not intended to punish operators or deprive them of business opportunities but to ensure that airport transportation services meet the expectations of the travelling public.
Having granted multiple extensions over a period exceeding two years, FAAN said operators have been given sufficient opportunity to prepare for compliance and indicated that no further requests for deadline extensions are expected to be entertained beyond the proposed October 2026 date.
Reaffirming the importance of airport cab operators within the aviation ecosystem, FAAN acknowledged their role in facilitating passenger movement and supporting airport operations.
The Authority called on all airport cab companies to embrace the upgrade initiative and work collaboratively towards providing safer, more efficient, and customer-focused transportation services.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to implementing policies that place passengers at the centre of service delivery while ensuring that Nigerian airports reflect the standards expected of a modern aviation industry.
“The cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders are essential as we collectively strive to build airports that every Nigerian can be proud of,” the statement added.
