The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to increase operational charges for airport taxi operators and enforce stricter vehicle standards, saying the measures are aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, safety and service quality at the nation’s airports.
The clarification follows threats by airport cab operators under the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) to suspend operations at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed Airport and Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport from July 1 over what they described as unfavourable policies.
Among the concerns raised by the operators is a directive requiring airport taxis to stop using vehicles manufactured before 2012 from July 1, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, FAAN said airports are the country's gateways and should reflect high standards of professionalism, safety and convenience.
According to the authority, the vehicle upgrade policy is intended to improve the reliability, comfort and safety of airport transportation services while boosting passenger satisfaction.
“Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport,” the agency stated.
FAAN also justified its decision to increase the operational tariff paid by cab operators from N500 to N1,500, noting that the previous rate had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite inflation, rising maintenance expenses and other economic challenges.
“The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services,” the statement said.
The authority added that it remains conscious of the difficulties faced by operators and has continued to engage stakeholders on the matter.
FAAN rejected claims that it had failed to consult airport cab operators, explaining that it maintains a structured engagement process with licensed transport service providers and conducts discussions directly with registered cab companies rather than unions or associations.
On the implementation of the vehicle upgrade policy, the agency said operators were first informed of the requirement in July 2024 and have since been granted multiple extensions to comply.
According to FAAN, the initial deadline was moved to January 2026 following appeals from operators, before being extended again to June 2026.
The authority disclosed that it is now considering a final extension of the compliance deadline to October 2026 to allow operators more time to meet the requirements.
“This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards,” FAAN said.
The agency stressed that the policy is not intended to punish operators or deprive them of legitimate business opportunities, but to ensure that airport transportation services meet the expectations of the travelling public.
FAAN noted that operators have had more than two years to prepare for compliance and indicated that no further extensions are expected beyond the proposed October deadline.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with airport cab companies and urged operators to support efforts aimed at improving service delivery across Nigerian airports.
