The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s proposed launch of an app-based Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, has raised concerns among traditional drivers. In this interview with OLASUNKANMI AKINLOTAN, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, addresses the key issues surrounding the initiative
What is the purpose of the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System?
The Airport Car Hire Rank Management System is a transformative initiative by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, aimed at modernising and streamlining airport ground transportation nationwide. It was introduced to address inefficiencies in the existing airport car hire operations, such as lack of central coordination, inconsistent service quality, and security concerns for both passengers and operators. ACHRAMS is designed to provide a standardised, technology-driven platform that ensures safer, more reliable, and hassle-free car hire services for airport users, effectively bridging the gap between traditional car hire services and modern passenger expectations.
ACHRAMS is also a policy adopted in line with the Federal Government’s directive for all government agencies to go cashless. With this approach, every registered driver is expected to fund their wallets and operate without having to give cash again to the Authority. This will greatly enhance the revenue generation capacity of the Authority.
Can you explain the ownership and operational structure of ACHRAMS, including who is responsible for managing it?
The ACHRAMS project is being implemented as a concession scheme, awarded for a duration of ten years. FAAN, along with car hire operators and passengers, remain key stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative. The application itself is being developed and managed by Messrs Excelian Technologies Ltd under the concession agreement. FAAN’s core role is oversight and regulation, ensuring that standards are maintained and that the operations serve the best interests of both operators and passengers. While ride-hailing companies are not leading the management, existing car hire operators are central to service delivery, with the system designed to enable compliant operators to benefit from the new structure.
FAAN is well aware of the unique challenges posed by multiple airport terminals, including privately operated ones such as MM2. To facilitate efficient operations, FAAN is working with terminal operators to designate standardised pick-up and drop-off zones for ACHRAMS vehicles. This approach minimises congestion, improves the flow of vehicles, and ensures that passenger safety and convenience are prioritised. There is ongoing stakeholder engagement to align operational procedures, ensuring ACHRAMS drivers can access all relevant terminals while adhering to security and operational protocols.
