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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its directives requiring airport cab operators to upgrade their vehicles and comply with revised operational charges, saying the measures are to improve passenger safety, comfort and service delivery.
The clarification followed concerns raised by members of the Association of Private Cab Operators over the Authority’s vehicle standards policy and adjustment of operational tariffs at Nigerian airports.
In a statement issued on Monday, FAAN said airport transportation services form a critical part of the passenger experience and must meet the standards expected of modern international airports.
The Authority explained that the directive for operators to replace older vehicles with newer models was introduced to improve reliability, safety, comfort and overall passenger satisfaction, in line with global aviation practices.
“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 from N500 to N1,500, stating that the previous charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation, maintenance expenses and increased operational costs.
The Authority said the adjustment was necessary to support airport infrastructure and sustain efficient service delivery, adding that it remained aware of the economic challenges faced by operators.
“Contrary to suggestions that the tariff review is arbitrary or excessive, it is important to state that FAAN has maintained the existing operational tariff of N500 for over eight years despite significant changes in economic realities.
“During this period, Nigeria has experienced substantial inflationary pressures, increases in operating costs, rising maintenance expenses, and considerable changes in the cost of doing business generally.
“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. Even with the review, FAAN remains mindful of the challenges faced by operators and has continued to engage stakeholders constructively,” it added.
Regarding concerns about engagement with cab operators, FAAN said it had continued to engage licensed airport transport companies but noted that its regulatory and contractual relationship was with registered cab companies rather than with associations or unions representing them.
The Authority added that it had shown flexibility on the vehicle upgrade deadline, noting that discussions on the policy began in July 2024, with the initial compliance deadline later extended to January 2026 and subsequently to June 2026.
FAAN said it was considering a final extension of the deadline to October 2026 to allow operators additional time to meet the required standards, but stressed that no further extensions would be granted beyond that period.
The agency maintained that the policy was not intended to frustrate operators or limit legitimate business opportunities, but to ensure that airport taxi services provide safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation for passengers, and urged airport cab companies to embrace the upgrade initiative and work with the Authority towards improving service quality across Nigerian airports.
It reaffirmed its commitment to placing passengers at the centre of airport operations while ensuring that facilities and services meet the standards expected of a modern aviation sector.
