The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has authorised Bolt to resume operations at airports under its management after resolving issues that had temporarily disrupted the e-hailing company’s services.
The authority said the decision followed discussions with Bolt that produced an agreed framework for regulating the company’s activities within FAAN-managed airports.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire.
“The Authority is therefore pleased to announce that, 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,” FAAN stated.
The resolution comes after a temporary suspension of e-hailing services at some airports, which had generated concerns among passengers who were left with limited transport alternatives.
FAAN said its efforts to regulate commercial and e-hailing transportation at airports were aimed at addressing challenges including passenger solicitation, touting, unauthorised operations, random pick-ups and other security concerns.
“These challenges, which in some instances involve drivers operating across more than one platform, have made it necessary for the Authority to strengthen the management and visibility of commercial transportation within the airport,” the authority said.
To improve the organisation and accountability of airport transportation services, FAAN said it had introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, known as ACHRAMS.
The authority, however, clarified that the system was designed strictly to manage airport car-hire operations and was not intended to rival existing e-hailing platforms.
“ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was never conceived as a competitor to Uber, Bolt or any other mobility platform. Its function is limited to the management of airport car-hire ranks and the authorised operations associated with them,” it stated.
According to FAAN, the agreement with Bolt reflects the possibility of maintaining airport security and regulatory standards without restricting passengers’ access to convenient transportation services.
“The resolution demonstrates that it is possible to protect the integrity and security of the airport environment while preserving the convenience and freedom of choice that e-hailing services provide to passengers,” FAAN said.
The authority added that it was also engaging other e-hailing operators and expected to resolve outstanding issues with them soon.
“FAAN remains engaged with other e-hailing operators and is confident that the outstanding discussions will be concluded in the coming days,” it stated.
FAAN further assured travellers that they could continue to select transportation services that suited their needs, provided such services complied with the approved airport operating framework.
“FAAN reiterates that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options that best meet their needs,” it said.
Apologising for the inconvenience caused by the temporary disruption, the authority said passengers’ welfare and security remained central to its decisions.
“We sincerely apologise for the difficulties this caused our passengers,” FAAN stated.
The resolution is expected to restore Bolt services at major FAAN-managed airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where the disruption had raised concerns among travellers.
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