FAAN raises airport cab tariff to N1,500 and extends vehicle upgrade deadline to October

FAAN defends airport cab upgrade policy, tariff review

FAAN defends its directive for airport cab operators to upgrade vehicles and reviews tariffs, citing improved passenger experience and service standards at Read More: https://punchng.com/faan-defends-airport-cab-upgrade-policy-tariff-review/

18 hours ago

FAAN Raises Airport Cab Tariff to N1,500, Extends Vehicle Upgrade Deadline to October

 The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to increase operational tariff for airport cab operators and enforce vehicle upgrade requirements, saying the measures are necessary to improve passenger experience and maintain service standards at Nigerian airports.   Some airport cab operators had threatened to ground operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on July 1 if FAAN fails to reverse what they described as anti-operator policies.   The drivers, under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO), said the policies include a directive requiring them to stop using vehicles manufactured before 2012 with effect from July 1, 2026.   In a statement on Monday, FAAN said it has noted recent comments and concerns expressed by some members of the association of private cab operators regarding its directives on vehicle standards and operational tariffs at Nigerian airports.     According to the statement, airports serve as gateways to the country and must reflect acceptable standards of safety, comfort and professionalism.   The authority said its directive requiring cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models is aimed at improving reliability, comfort, safety and overall 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,” FAAN said.     FAAN also justified the review of operational tariffs, noting that the existing N500 charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation, maintenance costs and broader economic pressures.   “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.   “Even with the review, FAAN remains mindful of the challenges faced by operators and has continued to engage stakeholders constructively.”   The authority also dismissed claims that it had refused to engage airport cab operators, stating that it maintains a structured stakeholder engagement framework and routinely interfaces with licensed airport transport service providers.     According to FAAN, its regulatory and contractual relationship is with registered cab companies rather than associations or unions representing them.   The agency said discussions on operational matters are therefore conducted directly with the affected corporate entities in accordance with established procedures.   ‘NO FURTHER REQUESTS FOR EXTENSION EXPECTED’   On the implementation timeline for the vehicle upgrade policy, FAAN said operators were first notified of the requirement in July 2024 and have since been granted multiple extensions to comply.     The authority said the original deadline was extended to January 2026 following requests from operators, while a further extension was granted until June 2026.   “These extensions were approved in recognition of the prevailing economic circumstances and to provide operators with sufficient time to comply with the requirements,” the statement added.     “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.   “It must, however, be emphasised that the objective of the policy is not to punish operators or deprive any one of legitimate business opportunities.   “Rather, it is to ensure that airport transportation services meet the quality standards expected by the travelling public.”   FAAN said operators have been given more than two years to prepare for compliance and indicated that no further requests for extensions are expected to be considered beyond the proposed final deadline.   The authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with airport cab companies and urged operators to support efforts aimed at improving service delivery.

1 day ago