FAAN Gives Airport Taxi Operators Final Deadline, Defends Fare Increase
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its controversial airport taxi reforms, insisting that the upgrade of vehicles and upward review of operational charges are necessary to improve passenger experience and align airport transport services with international standards.
The authority in a statement on Monday also said that airport cab operators may be granted one final extension until October 2026 to comply with the vehicle upgrade policy after previous deadlines were shifted multiple times.
FAAN said the reforms were designed to enhance safety, comfort and reliability for travellers using airport taxi services across the country.
“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,” the agency stated.
TheFact Daily reports that the clarification comes amid complaints by some members of the Association of Private Cab Operators, who have opposed the vehicle replacement directive and a threefold increase in operational tariffs.
Responding to the criticism, FAAN said the current N500 operational charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation, increasing maintenance costs and other economic pressures.
“The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services,” the authority said.
FAAN rejected allegations that it had failed to consult stakeholders before introducing the measures, maintaining that it regularly engages licensed airport transport companies through established channels.
According to the authority, its contractual relationship is with registered cab firms operating within airports rather than trade associations or unions.
The agency disclosed that discussions on vehicle upgrades began in July 2024, giving operators more than two years to prepare for compliance.
It noted that the implementation deadline was first extended to January 2026 and later shifted to June 2026 following appeals from operators affected by economic challenges.
“FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026,” the statement said.
The authority stressed, however, that the proposed extension would likely be the last concession granted to operators.
“Given the multiple extensions already granted over a period exceeding two years, FAAN believes that operators have been afforded ample opportunity to prepare for compliance,” it said, adding that no further requests for deadline extensions are expected to be entertained beyond the proposed final deadline.
While acknowledging the role of airport cab operators in facilitating passenger movement, FAAN urged transport companies to embrace the reforms and collaborate with the authority in raising service standards.
“The objective of the policy is not to punish operators or deprive anyone of legitimate business opportunities. Rather, it is to ensure that airport transportation services meet the quality standards expected by the travelling public,” the statement added.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to passenger-centred service delivery, saying all airport operations, including transportation services, must reflect the standards expected of a modern aviation sector.
