The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that the recent operational restrictions placed on e-hailing platforms were driven entirely by rising passenger security threats and rider extortion, firmly denying any involvement in Uber’s decision to exit the Nigerian market.
Speaking at the second induction ceremony and unveiling of the Montage of Honorees by the Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame, on Friday in Lagos, Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, explained that passenger intimidation and illegal fare inflation by some e-hailing drivers forced the authority to step in and enforce strict regulatory oversight.
Addressing the audience under the event’s central theme, “The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology and Global Competitiveness,” Kuku emphasised that ensuring a safe, transparent, and seamless passenger experience remains FAAN’s absolute priority.
Dispelling ongoing media speculation surrounding the airport’s engagement with ride-hailing platforms, Kuku revealed that FAAN had received alarming reports from travellers, particularly during peak travel windows like the December holiday season.
The FAAN MD noted that some e-hailing drivers were operating under the guise of digital bookings while actively participating in street touting and charging inflated prices:
