Authority says vehicle replacement and higher operational charges are designed to improve passenger safety, service quality and airport standards…..
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to enforce a vehicle upgrade policy for airport taxi operators, maintaining that the initiative is intended to improve passenger safety, comfort and service delivery rather than target transport operators.
The authority also reaffirmed that airport cab companies must comply with the new vehicle requirements by October 2026, describing the timeline as a final extension after several concessions granted to operators.
FAAN’s position follows growing opposition from some airport taxi operators, who have criticised both the mandatory vehicle replacement policy and the recent increase in operational charges.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency said the reforms form part of broader efforts to modernise airport transport services and align Nigeria’s aviation sector with internationally accepted standards.
According to FAAN, discussions with stakeholders on the vehicle upgrade programme began in July 2024, with the original compliance deadline initially fixed for January 2026 before it was shifted to June 2026 following requests from operators.
The authority explained that it is now considering extending the deadline one final time until October 2026 to allow affected companies sufficient time to comply.
“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026. This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards,” the statement said.
The agency, however, made it clear that no further extensions would be granted beyond the proposed deadline.
It noted that operators had already benefited from multiple extensions spanning more than two years and should now be adequately prepared to meet the new standards.
FAAN said the policy requiring newer vehicles was introduced to improve the quality of airport transportation by ensuring passengers have access to safe, reliable and professionally maintained taxis.
According to the authority, airport users deserve transportation services that reflect the standards expected at modern international airports, including clean, roadworthy and comfortable vehicles.
FAAN Explains Tariff Increase
The aviation agency also defended its decision to increase the operational tariff for airport taxi operators from N500 to N1,500, arguing that the previous rate had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising operational costs.
It said the review was necessary to support the maintenance of critical airport infrastructure and improve service delivery.
“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 agency stated.
Agency Dismisses Claims of Poor Consultation
Responding to allegations that it failed to consult stakeholders before introducing the reforms, FAAN insisted that it has consistently engaged licensed airport transport service providers throughout the process.
The authority clarified that its formal contractual relationship is with registered airport cab companies rather than transport unions or associations.
It stressed that the reforms are not intended to deny operators business opportunities but to ensure airport transport services meet acceptable operational and safety standards.
FAAN urged all licensed airport taxi companies to cooperate with the implementation of the policy, saying the reforms are ultimately aimed at delivering safer, more efficient and customer-focused transportation services across the country’s airports.
