*Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, explains the aviation regulatory agency designed an Airport Car Hire and Ride Management System, to regulate car-hire services, and protect passengers while improving their experience at airports across the country
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has disclosed some passengers’ experiences while riding with e-hailing drivers in regard to controversies surrounding the recent reported exit of Uber from the West African country.
ConsumerConnect reports Ms. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, stated this Friday, September 4, 2026, in his chat with reporters at the Lagos Airport.
Kuku explained the aviation sector regulatory agency had received several complaints about e-hailing drivers, particularly during the December 2025 holiday period.
She also stated: “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.”
According to her, the clarification became significant, following recent reported restrictions on Uber’s drivers conducting commercial pick-ups at Nigerian airports.
It is recalled that FAAN, weeks ago, temporarily stopped e-hailing drivers from carrying out commercial pick-ups at FAAN-controlled airports in the West African country, pending the finalisation and execution of licence agreements.
Subsequently, the development generated criticism, as some stakeholders and observers alleged the restriction on the e-hailing operators at Nigerian airports was intended to create room for FAAN’s newly introduced airport e-hailing platform, the Airport Car Hire and Ride Management System (ACHRAMS).
On e-hailing drivers’ alleged consumer intimidation, exploitation and excessive fares
Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, however, noted that Authority’s decision to regulate airport car-hire services is aimed at protecting passengers, and improving their experience at airports in the country.
She further 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.
The Managing Director told reporters: “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 as well affirmed the situation contributed to complaints about touting, and prompted the need for greater regulatory oversight.
FAAN subsequently, introduced 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.
Official: FAAN responsible for visibility, safety and accountability at airports
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.
FAAN’s responsibility is limited to ensuring visibility, safety and accountability within the airport environment across Nigeria.
Reason for Uber’s exit from Nigeria?
Responding directly to enquiries about Uber’s reported exit from Nigeria, FAAN declared that the e-hailing company’s decision is its business and regulatory matter.
Kuku stated: “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.”