The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed some passengers’ experiences while riding with e-hailing drivers in Nigeria, in the wake of controversies surrounding the exit of Uber from Nigeria.
Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, on Friday, revealed the development while speaking with journalists at the airport.
According to her, the airport agency had received several complaints about e-hailing drivers, particularly during the December 2025 holiday period.
“We received a lot of complaints, especially around the December holiday period, from passengers who used some of the e-hailing services, as well as car-hire services, and had very unpleasant experiences.”
The clarification comes following recent reported restrictions on Uber’s drivers conducting commercial pick-ups at its airports
Weeks ago, FAAN temporarily stopped e-hailing drivers from carrying out commercial pick-ups at FAAN-controlled airports, pending the finalisation and execution of license agreements.
The development generated criticism, with some observers alleging that the restriction on the e-hailing operators was intended to create room for FAAN’s newly introduced airport e-hailing platform, the Airport Car Hire and Ride Management System (ACHRAMS).
However, according to her, FAAN’s decision to regulate airport car-hire services is aimed at protecting passengers and improving their experience at the nation’s airports.
Kuku explained that the complaints reportedly ranged from intimidation and excessive fares to passengers allegedly being dropped off at unintended locations, with some e-hailing drivers already exploiting the system.
“We also had situations where some Uber and Bolt drivers would get out of their cars under the guise of coming into the airport as e-hailing drivers, and then join the car-hire operators to charge higher fares.
The Authority said the situation contributed to complaints about touting and prompted the need for greater regulatory oversight, with FAAN introducing an application designed to provide passengers with visibility on registered car-hire companies and the identity of drivers taking them from the airport to their destinations.
The Authority added it does not collect fares on behalf of the drivers, while the rates provided on the platform are only indicative.
She added that passengers remain free to choose between pre-booked car-hire services and e-hailing platforms, adding that its responsibility is limited to ensuring visibility, safety and accountability within the airport environment.
On Uber’s reported exit from Nigeria, FAAN says the decision is a business and regulatory matter by the company.
“I work for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and my first responsibility is to ensure that our passengers are safe, protected, and have a seamless passenger experience.
“Regarding Uber, I can’t speak to their exit from Nigeria. I’m sure they have their own economic and regulatory considerations as to why they chose to exit.”
