Ban on Uber, Bolt at Nigerian Airports Triggers Fare Hike

Passengers arriving at major Nigerian airports are facing vehicle shortages, travel disruptions and rising transportation costs following the suspension of Uber and Bolt operations within terminals managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The suspension has particularly affected travellers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, where passengers have reported difficulties securing affordable transportation after landing.
With Uber and Bolt drivers barred from operating within the airports, traditional airport taxi operators have gained greater control of the available transport market. Passengers say fares have increased significantly, with some reporting hikes of more than 50 percent since the enforcement began.
The development has added to the financial burden on travellers already contending with rising airfares and other travel-related expenses.
Why FAAN Suspended Uber, Bolt
The crackdown followed an internal directive dated July 30, titled “Suspension of Bolt and Uber operators at all FAAN-managed airports.”
The directive, signed by U.R. Liman, General Manager, Commercial Services, ordered the immediate suspension of commercial operations by both platforms pending the finalisation and execution of formal licence agreements with FAAN.
The authority also introduced stricter compliance requirements for airport car-hire operators across the country.
Under the new rules, operators are required to upgrade their vehicles to specified minimum model years, depending on the airport terminal, while drivers must register their services through a newly designated FAAN digital booking application.
Drivers Protest Tough Enforcement
The enforcement has reportedly involved task force deployments, vehicle impoundments and substantial fines, creating difficulties for ride-hailing drivers who depend on airport trips for their income.
Olanrewaju Lukman Bamgbaye, a Lagos-based cab operator, said the enforcement at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 had created serious operational challenges.
According to him, FAAN is requiring cab operators to use vehicles that meet the stipulated model-year requirements and register through the FAAN app.
He said Bolt’s refusal to comply with the arrangement had contributed to its drivers being prevented from accessing the terminal.
The situation is also affecting drivers in Abuja.
Prudent Matthew, an Abuja-based Bolt driver, said drivers were notified that Bolt had been suspended from operating at the airport and that FAAN was introducing a new system.
He claimed that more than 50 task force personnel were deployed at Abuja airport on August 1, resulting in app-based drivers being prevented from picking up passengers.
Matthew said drivers caught attempting to pick up passengers could face a N40,000 fine.
He argued that the penalty makes airport trips increasingly unattractive for drivers, particularly when the cost of fuel and other operating expenses are considered.
Passengers Bear the Cost
The suspension has created a difficult situation for passengers who previously relied on ride-hailing platforms for relatively predictable and competitive fares.
With fewer transportation options available within airport premises, travellers are now forced to depend on approved airport taxis or arrange alternative pickup points outside the terminals.
Industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the licensing dispute between FAAN and the ride-hailing companies is resolved, particularly amid growing concerns about transportation costs and passenger convenience.
For travellers, the immediate concern remains access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation after arriving at Nigeria’s major airports.