By Dickson Omobola
Following complaints by travellers over the suspension of e-hailing services at airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has said Bolt can resume operations at all its airports after both parties reached an operational agreement.
FAAN also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the temporary disruption, saying it appreciated their patience and understanding.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Henry Agbebire, in a statement, also dismissed claims that it was in control of fares, saying fares had always existed independently.
The statement reads: “For nearly a decade, FAAN has been working to address challenges arising from the activities of commercial and e-hailing vehicles within the airport environment, including increasing cases of passenger solicitation and touting, unregulated operations, random pick-ups, and associated safety, security and accountability concerns.
“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.
“It was in response to these concerns that 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.
“FAAN supports healthy competition and does not seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation.
“It is also important to clarify that the fares highlighted in some of the recent public discussions were not rates newly imposed by FAAN or created by ACHRAMS. 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.
“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. We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers.
“While the authority’s actions were driven by regulatory, safety and security considerations rather than economic interests, FAAN acknowledges that the immediate impact on passengers was significant. We have listened, reflected and made the necessary adjustments.
“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.
“The resolution demonstrates that it is possible to protect the integrity and security of the airport environment while preserving the convenience and freedom of choice that e-hailing services provide to passengers.
“FAAN remains engaged with other e-hailing operators and is confident that the outstanding discussions will be concluded in the coming days.
“FAAN reiterates that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs. Our responsibility is to ensure that whichever authorised service they choose operates within a safe, secure, orderly and accountable airport environment.
“The authority thanks the travelling public for its patience and understanding and assures passengers that their safety, security, convenience and overall airport experience remain at the centre of FAAN’s decisions.”
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