June 22 (THEWILL) — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its ongoing reforms of airport taxi operations across the country, insisting that the review of operational charges and the enforcement of newer vehicle standards are necessary measures to improve passenger safety, comfort and service delivery at Nigerian airports.
In a statement on Monday, the authority responded to concerns raised by some members of the Association of Private Cab Operators over recent directives on vehicle standards and operational tariffs, maintaining that its actions are in line with international best practices and designed to enhance the overall airport experience for travellers.
FAAN said airports often provide the first and last impression of a country to visitors and, therefore, require transportation services that meet modern standards of safety, reliability and professionalism.
According to the authority, the directive requiring airport cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models is intended to improve service quality, reliability and passenger satisfaction.
“The directive requiring airport cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models is informed by the need to improve reliability, comfort, safety, and overall passenger satisfaction. This is consistent with international best practices and aligns with FAAN’s ongoing efforts to elevate service standards across its airports”, the statement read.
The agency added that passengers who use airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of modern international airports.
On the review of operational tariffs, FAAN said the adjustment should not be viewed as arbitrary or excessive, noting that the existing operational charge of N500 had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite significant economic changes.
The authority explained that Nigeria had experienced substantial inflationary pressures, increased operating costs and rising maintenance expenses during the period, making a tariff review inevitable.
FAAN stated that the adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should be considered within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services.
The authority also rejected allegations that it had failed to engage stakeholders before introducing the measures.
According to FAAN, it maintains a structured stakeholder engagement framework and routinely interfaces with licensed airport transport service providers.
It clarified, however, that its contractual and regulatory relationship is with registered cab companies operating within airport premises and not with associations or unions acting on their behalf.
“Consequently, discussions and engagements on operational matters are conducted directly with the affected corporate entities in accordance with established procedures”, the authority said.
FAAN maintained that it remains open to constructive dialogue and has consistently engaged operators on issues affecting their operations and the quality of service delivered to passengers.
The authority further disclosed that it had demonstrated considerable flexibility regarding the implementation timeline for the vehicle upgrade policy.
According to the statement, discussions on the policy commenced as far back as July 2024, giving operators ample notice to prepare for compliance.
Following requests from operators, the original deadline was extended to January 2026 and subsequently shifted to June 2026 in recognition of prevailing economic challenges.
FAAN revealed that it is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline to October 2026 to provide operators with additional time to align with the required standards.
The authority stressed that the objective of the policy is not to punish operators or deny them legitimate business opportunities but to ensure that airport transportation services meet the quality standards expected by the travelling public.
“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. As such, no further requests for extension are expected to be entertained beyond the proposed final deadline”, the statement added.
While acknowledging the important role airport cab operators play in facilitating passenger movement and supporting airport operations, FAAN called on all airport taxi companies to embrace the upgrade initiative and work collaboratively toward safer, more efficient and customer-focused services.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to policies and initiatives that place passengers at the centre of service delivery while ensuring that airport operations reflect the standards expected of a modern aviation sector.
FAAN also urged all stakeholders to support the reforms, saying collective cooperation remains essential to building airport facilities that Nigerians can be proud of.
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