The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has cleared Bolt to resume operations at airports managed by the authority following days of uncertainty over the status of e-hailing services.
FAAN announced the development on Thursday, saying it had reached an agreeable operational framework with Bolt after constructive engagements between both parties.
The decision comes shortly after concerns were raised over the temporary interruption of e-hailing services at Nigerian airports, particularly the impact on passengers who rely on platforms such as Bolt and Uber for affordable transportation.
In a statement, FAAN acknowledged the concerns expressed by passengers over increased transportation costs and the inconvenience caused by the temporary disruption.
“FAAN is aware of and deeply appreciates the concerns expressed by passengers over the increased cost and inconvenience experienced during the temporary interruption of e-hailing services. We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers,” the authority said.
FAAN explained that its earlier actions were based on regulatory, safety and security considerations rather than economic interests.
The authority, however, said it had listened to public concerns and made the necessary adjustments.
“Following constructive engagements, FAAN and Bolt have reached an agreeable operational framework and Bolt is cleared to commence its services at FAAN-managed airports immediately,” it stated.
Controversy over airport transport fares
The controversy surrounding airport transportation intensified after a viral video highlighted the cost of FAAN’s newly introduced airport car-hire service.
Travel content creator Chris Joondeph, popularly known as “Authentic Travelling”, had shared a TikTok video in which he recounted being quoted N30,000 for a trip from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja.
The incident generated widespread reactions online, with many passengers comparing the airport car-hire fare with the cheaper rates they had become accustomed to using through e-hailing platforms.
FAAN explains ACHRAMS role
FAAN also clarified that the Airport Car-Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, is not an e-hailing application and was not established to compete with Bolt, Uber or other mobility platforms.
According to the authority, ACHRAMS is primarily designed to manage airport car-hire ranks and regulate authorised airport transportation operations.
“FAAN supports healthy competition and does not seek to create or promote a monopoly in airport transportation,” the agency said.
FAAN further explained that airport taxi fares existed before the introduction of ACHRAMS and were not substantially different from previously applicable rates.
The authority said the major change introduced by ACHRAMS was greater visibility and transparency regarding existing airport taxi fares.
FAAN acknowledged that the visibility of the fares made the difference between airport taxis and the lower prices offered by e-hailing platforms more noticeable to passengers.FAAN engages other e-hailing platforms
Beyond Bolt, FAAN said it was engaging other e-hailing operators to establish an operational framework that would allow their services to function appropriately within the airports.
The development is expected to provide passengers with more transportation options and restore access to app-based ride-hailing services at FAAN-managed airports.
The authority said its objective remains to balance passenger convenience with airport safety, security and regulatory requirements.
With Bolt now cleared to resume operations, passengers using Nigerian airports are expected to regain access to the platform while discussions with other e-hailing operators continue.
