FAAN Reverses Bolt Ban at Nigerian Airports After Backlash Over N30,000 Taxi Fare

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has lifted its ban on Bolt and other e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, following widespread criticism over the cost of airport transportation.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, announced the reversal in a statement on Thursday, August 27, following discussions between the airport authority and e-hailing operators.

The controversy began after FAAN restricted e-hailing services as part of the implementation of its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAM). The move sparked concerns among passengers who feared that the new arrangement would make transportation from airports significantly more expensive.

The backlash intensified after a passenger shared a video on X alleging that an airport car-hire service under the new system was priced at N30,000 for a journey that would ordinarily cost about N8,000. The video quickly drew public attention and criticism of the airport transport arrangement.

FAAN has now clarified that ACHRAM is not an e-hailing service and is not intended to take over or monopolise airport car-hire operations. The authority said its discussions with Bolt resulted in an operational framework that would allow the platform to continue serving passengers at airports.

“The Authority is therefore pleased to announce that, following constructive engagements, FAAN and Bolt have reached an agreeable operational framework, and Bolt is cleared to commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately,” Agbebire said.

The decision means passengers using Bolt at FAAN-managed airports can once again access the platform for airport pickups and transportation, subject to the agreed operational arrangements.

The reversal comes amid growing sensitivity around transportation costs in Nigeria, particularly for air travellers who have complained about the high fares associated with airport taxis. FAAN’s latest decision is expected to give passengers another option and increase competition among airport transport providers.