The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, has dismissed claims that the agency’s restrictions on e-hailing operations at airports contributed to Uber’s exit from the country.
Kuku, who spoke with journalists at the Muritala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Friday, said Uber’s decision to leave the Nigerian market was a business choice for the company, stressing that FAAN’s priority was to protect passengers and ensure a seamless travel experience.
A week ago, FAAN temporarily stopped e-hailing drivers from conducting commercial pick-ups at its airports pending the finalisation and execution of licence agreements.
The development sparked speculation that the restriction on e-hailing operators was aimed at creating room for FAAN’s newly introduced airport e-hailing platform, ACHRAMS.
However, Kuku said the agency’s intervention followed complaints from passengers, particularly during the December holiday period, over unpleasant experiences with some e-hailing and car-hire services operating around the airports.
“I work for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and my first responsibility is to ensure that our passengers are safe, protected and have a seamless passenger experience.
“Regarding Uber, I can’t speak to their exit from Nigeria. I’m sure they have their own economic and regulatory considerations as to why they chose to exit,” she said.
