FAAN Increases Airport Taxi Fare To N1,500, Gives Operators Until October To Upgrade Vehicles

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its decision to increase airport cab operating charges and require operators to upgrade their vehicles.

FAAN insisted that the changes are aimed at improving services and ensuring a better experience for passengers.

The clarification comes after some airport taxi operators threatened to suspend their services at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja from July 1 if the authority refuses to reverse the new policies.

The operators, who are members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO), criticised FAAN’s directive banning the use of vehicles manufactured before 2012 starting from July 1, 2026.

In a statement on Monday, FAAN said it was aware of the concerns raised by some members of the union over the new vehicle standards and revised operating charges.

The authority explained that airports are often the first point of contact for visitors entering the country and should therefore maintain high standards of safety, comfort and professionalism.

According to FAAN, the vehicle upgrade policy is intended to ensure that airport taxi services remain safe, reliable and comfortable for passengers.

“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 defended the increase in operational tariffs, noting that the previous fee of N500 had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation and increasing operating costs.

“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.”

FAAN further rejected claims that it had ignored the concerns of airport cab operators.

According to the agency, it regularly engages licensed transport service providers through an established stakeholder framework.

The authority explained that its contractual relationship is with registered cab companies rather than unions or associations representing drivers.

As a result, discussions on operational issues are conducted directly with the companies involved.

On the deadline for upgrading vehicles, FAAN said operators were first informed of the requirement in July 2024 and have since received several extensions.

The agency said the original deadline was shifted to January 2026 after operators requested more time, while another extension pushed the date to 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 added that operators have had more than two years to prepare for the changes and indicated that no further extensions are likely after the proposed October 2026 deadline.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with airport cab companies and called on operators to support efforts aimed at improving service delivery across Nigerian airports.

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