The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has defended its new Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) after protests by airport taxi operators over claims that they were being compelled to replace their vehicles with 2020 models.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed distressed airport cab drivers appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging that the new requirements would force them to buy vehicles costing between N18 million and N30 million despite the country’s economic challenges.
However, FAAN said the protest stemmed from resistance to its digital taxi management platform rather than any new vehicle policy.
Adebola Agunbiade, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, dismissed claims that drivers were required to acquire 2020 model vehicles.
She explained that the authority’s existing requirement remains vehicles manufactured from 2012 onwards, a policy introduced in 2024.
“The claim that FAAN asked drivers to change their vehicles to 2020 models because of ACHRAMS is incorrect,” she said.
According to Agunbiade, the authority has repeatedly extended the compliance deadline, from January to June and now to October 1, 2026, to give operators more time to meet the requirements.
FAAN said the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System is designed to modernise airport ground transportation by improving passenger safety, eliminating touting, strengthening security and ensuring transparent fare administration.
The authority said some airport taxi operators refused to register on the platform and attempted to disrupt its pilot rollout at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Agunbiade noted that the protest was linked to opposition to the digital platform rather than concerns over vehicle age.
She also rejected allegations that the agency plans to reduce the number of airport taxi operators.
“Our intention is to clear all drivers who meet the laid-down standards,” she said.
According to FAAN, nearly all registered airport taxi operators at the Lagos airport have already been admitted into the pilot phase of the system, except two companies whose union advised members against participating while pursuing separate digital platforms.
FAAN disclosed that discussions are ongoing with ride-hailing companies such as Bolt and Uber to integrate their services into ACHRAMS.
The authority explained that any temporary restrictions on airport pickups by ride-hailing operators are regulatory measures pending the completion of integration arrangements.
Once fully implemented, ACHRAMS will introduce digital trip tracking, enhanced driver and vehicle verification, designated pickup zones and improved fare transparency, all aimed at raising service standards and strengthening passenger security at Nigeria’s airports.
While FAAN maintains that the reform is essential to modernise airport transportation, many cab operators insist they support digital innovation but want greater consultation and assurances that the new system will not threaten their livelihoods.
