The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has lifted initial embargo banning Bolt drivers from operating in airports accross the country, ordering immediate resumption of e-hailing services.
The directive was contained in a statement on Thursday, by FAAN’s director, public affairs and consumer protection, Henry Agbebire.
“These challenges, which in some instances involve drivers operating across more than one platform, have made it necessary for the Authority to strengthen the management and visibility of commercial transportation within the airport,” he said.
He stated concerns rose after FAAN introduced ACHRAMS (Airport Car Hire Rank Management System), a queue-management and airport transportation management system designed to bring greater structure, visibility and accountability to the operations of authorised airport car-hire services.
“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was never conceived as a competitor to Uber, Bolt or any other mobility platform. Its function is limited to the management of airport car-hire ranks and the authorised operations associated with them,” Mr Agbebire said.
He noted that the agency supported healthy competition and didn’t seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation.
“Airport taxi fares have existed independently of the application, and the rates themselves were not substantially different from those previously applicable.
“What ACHRAMS introduced was greater visibility and transparency around the prevailing airport-taxi rates, making the cost more readily apparent to passengers. FAAN recognises, however, that the comparison with the lower fares passengers had become accustomed to through e-hailing platforms understandably heightened public concern,” he said.
According to him, FAAN is aware of and deeply appreciates the concerns expressed by passengers over the increased cost and inconvenience experienced during the temporary interruption of e-hailing services.
“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,” he said .
He added that FAAN remained engaged with other e-hailing operators and is confident that the outstanding discussions will be concluded in the coming days.
