FAAN’S RIDE-BOOKING APP TRIGGERS AIRPORT TAXI ROW

The introduction of a new ride-booking app by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has sparked protests from traditional airport taxi operators, who claim the platform threatens their livelihood and creates unfair competition.

The FAAN Ride app, launched recently to provide passengers with convenient and regulated transportation options at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, has been met with stiff resistance from the Airport Cab Operators Association. The operators staged a protest on Friday, blocking parts of the airport access road and demanding the immediate suspension of the app.

Chairman of the association, Mr. Adebayo Ogunmefun, said the app gives FAAN an unfair advantage and sidelines traditional operators who have been providing services for decades. “We were not adequately consulted. This app is taking away our means of livelihood. We demand fairness,” Ogunmefun stated.

FAAN officials have defended the initiative, saying it aims to improve service quality, ensure passenger safety, and regulate the chaotic taxi system at the airport. They assured that the app will operate alongside existing operators and create opportunities for all stakeholders.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has intervened, calling for calm and constructive dialogue between FAAN and the taxi operators. The regulator urged both parties to reach an amicable resolution that prioritises passenger convenience and safety.

The development has drawn mixed reactions from passengers, with some welcoming the app for its convenience and transparency while others sympathise with the traditional operators.

The row is the latest in a series of disputes between FAAN and service providers at the nation’s airports. Stakeholders have called for a more inclusive approach to policy implementation to avoid unnecessary conflicts and disruptions.

FAAN has promised to engage further with the operators to address their concerns and ensure a smooth transition. The authority said the ride-booking app is part of its broader strategy to modernise airport services and improve the overall passenger experience.