The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cleared e-hailing company Bolt to resume operations at Nigerian airports following days of public concern over the status of ride-hailing services at the nation’s airports.
The development comes after FAAN clarified that it had not imposed a blanket ban on e-hailing platforms, including Bolt and Uber, but was seeking to establish an appropriate operational framework for commercial transport services within airport premises.
In a statement on Thursday, FAAN said the decision to allow Bolt to resume operations followed constructive engagements with the company aimed at establishing an agreeable framework for its activities at airports.
The authority also said it is engaging other e-hailing operators to address concerns surrounding passenger safety, security, accountability, operational visibility and the management of pick-up activities within airport environments.
FAAN had earlier explained that airports are highly regulated environments and that commercial transport operators must operate within a system that enables the authority to identify and monitor vehicles and drivers while ensuring effective coordination during security or passenger-related incidents.
The authority also stressed that it recognises the important role played by e-hailing platforms in providing passengers with convenient and affordable transportation options.
FAAN said its engagement with operators was not intended to restrict passengers’ access to such services, but rather to ensure that e-hailing operations are conducted in a safe, orderly and accountable manner.
The authority has previously said it was working towards a mutually acceptable arrangement with Bolt, Uber and other mobility providers, while addressing complaints relating to passenger solicitation and touting around airport premises.
With Bolt now cleared to resume operations, attention is expected to turn to the ongoing discussions between FAAN and other e-hailing platforms as the authority works towards a unified framework for airport transportation services.
FAAN said its overriding priority remains the safety, security and convenience of passengers while ensuring a seamless airport experience.
