Nigeria's FAAN Reverses Bolt Ban After Taxi Fare Outcry

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reversed its ban on Bolt and other e-hailing platforms after public outcry over taxi pricing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The controversy intensified when a viral video showed a passenger being quoted N30,000 for a trip to Ikeja, a journey that typically costs between N4,000 and N8,000 via e-hailing services.

FAAN introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) to regulate operations, address passenger solicitation, and improve safety. While critics and industry experts accused the agency of exploiting passengers and competing with private commercial operators, FAAN clarified that ACHRAMS is a queue-management tool designed for transparency rather than a system for setting fares. The agency denied imposing a blanket ban on e-hailing services, maintaining that its goal was to ensure a secure and accountable airport environment.

Following constructive engagements, FAAN reached an operational framework with Bolt, clearing the service to resume operations at FAAN-managed airports immediately. The agency continues discussions with other e-hailing operators to establish similar frameworks to encourage competition and address safety concerns.