₦30,000 Airport Taxi Fare: FAAN Clears Bolt After E-Hailing Dispute

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resolved its operational dispute with Bolt, clearing the ride-hailing company to resume services at FAAN-managed airports with immediate effect.

The development comes amid controversy over the temporary disruption of e-hailing services at airports and complaints from passengers about the cost of alternative airport transportation.

FAAN, in a statement dated August 27, 2026, said it had been working for nearly a decade to address challenges associated with commercial and e-hailing vehicles operating within the airport environment, including passenger solicitation, touting, random pick-ups, unregulated operations and safety concerns.

The Authority said it introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) to improve structure, visibility and accountability in the operations of authorised airport car-hire services.

FAAN, however, stressed that ACHRAMS was not an e-hailing application and was not designed to compete with Uber, Bolt or other mobility platforms.

The clarification follows concerns over fares at airports, with reports of passengers being charged significantly higher amounts for airport taxi trips compared with prices available through conventional e-hailing platforms.

Passengers cited about ₦30,000 for a trip from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport area in Ikeja to the Radisson, while a comparable Uber trip is said to typically cost substantially less, reportedly around ₦8,000 depending on demand and prevailing rates.

The disparity has fuelled questions over the affordability of airport transportation and the impact of restricting or disrupting e-hailing services.

FAAN acknowledged the concerns, saying it “deeply appreciates” passengers’ complaints about increased costs and inconvenience during the temporary interruption of e-hailing services.

The Authority apologised for the difficulties caused to travellers, while maintaining that its actions were driven by regulatory, safety and security considerations rather than economic interests.

“We have listened, reflected and made the necessary adjustments,” FAAN said.

FAAN further announced that an agreement had been reached with Bolt and that the company was cleared to commence operations at FAAN-managed airports immediately.

The Authority also said it remained engaged with other e-hailing operators and was confident that outstanding discussions would be concluded in the coming days.

FAAN maintained that passengers remain free to choose from available transportation options, while assuring travellers that safety, security, convenience and an orderly airport environment would remain central to its decisions.