FAAN Clears Air On Airport Taxi Operations, New Vehicle Standards
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) don explain im position concerning airport taxi operations, vehicle upgrade requirements and operational charges for transport operators wey dey work inside Nigerian airports.
For public statement wey FAAN release on June 22, 2026, the authority say the recent measures no be to punish operators but to improve passenger experience and raise service standards for airports across the country.
FAAN talk say airports na important gateways for any nation and passengers deserve safe, comfortable and professionally maintained vehicles whenever dem use airport transport services.
According to the authority, the directive wey requires airport cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models aligns with international best practices and forms part of efforts to improve reliability, safety and customer satisfaction.
FAAN Defends Increase In Operational Charges
FAAN also responded to criticism surrounding the review of operational tariffs for airport taxi operators.
The authority explained say the operational charge remained at ₦500 for more than eight years despite rising inflation, increasing maintenance costs and changes in the country’s economic realities.
According to FAAN, the adjustment from ₦500 to ₦1,500 should be viewed within the context of current economic conditions and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services.
The authority added that it remains sensitive to the challenges facing operators and has continued to engage stakeholders on the matter.
Authority Says It Engages Operators Directly
On complaints about stakeholder engagement, FAAN clarified that it has never refused to engage airport taxi operators.
The authority explained that its contractual and regulatory relationship exists directly with registered airport cab companies and not associations or unions acting on behalf of operators.
FAAN noted that discussions on operational issues are conducted directly with licensed companies in line with established procedures, while maintaining regular communication with service providers operating within airport facilities.
The agency stressed that it remains open to constructive dialogue and has consistently consulted operators on issues affecting their businesses and service delivery.
Vehicle Upgrade Deadline May Be Extended To October
FAAN disclosed that discussions on vehicle upgrades started as far back as July 2024, giving operators sufficient time to prepare.
The original deadline was later shifted to January 2026 following requests from operators and was subsequently extended again to June 2026.
The authority revealed that it is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline to October 2026 to allow operators additional time to meet the required standards.
However, FAAN stated that no further extensions are expected after the proposed October deadline, noting that operators have already been given more than two years to comply.
Passenger Interest Remains Top Priority
While acknowledging the important role airport taxi operators play in supporting passenger movement, FAAN reiterated that the objective of the policy is to ensure safer, more efficient and customer-focused transport services at airports.
The authority called on all airport cab companies to embrace the upgrade initiative and work together toward improving service quality for travellers.
FAAN added that it will continue to implement policies that place passengers at the centre of service delivery while ensuring Nigerian airports meet the standards expected of a modern aviation sector.
