A group of airport cab operators has issued a nine-day ultimatum to shut down transport services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, protesting what they described as unfavourable policies introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The operators, numbering over 200, under the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), raised concerns over recent tariff increases, regulatory changes, and what they called attempts to force a transition into an app-based transport system without proper consultation.
Operators Fault Tariff Increase And Digital Transition Policy
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, NUPCO President, Adeola Adepegba, said the union strongly opposed FAAN’s decision to raise operational charges from ₦500 to ₦1,500, representing a 200 per cent increase.
He said the hike was unsustainable given the current economic situation and warned that it would inevitably lead to higher transport fares for airport users.
According to him, “Rather than engage us in meaningful consultation, we are being pressured daily to adopt an app-based system that was introduced without agreement or proper dialogue.”
Adepegba argued that the union’s operations are distinct from app-based ride-hailing services, insisting that their members are legally recognised airport transport operators with defined jurisdiction.
Concerns Over Vehicle Standards And Business Survival
The operators also criticised FAAN’s directive requiring vehicles operating within airport premises to be no older than 2012 models, describing the policy as unrealistic in the current economic climate.
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Adepegba said many operators would struggle to meet such requirements due to the high cost of vehicle replacement and declining passenger demand.
He further alleged that the new policies appeared designed to phase out existing operators and replace them with preferred service providers.
Threat Of Shutdown Looms
The union warned that if FAAN fails to review its policies within nine days, operators would be forced to suspend services at major international airports across the country.
They urged the authority to reconsider what they described as abrupt policy changes, calling for dialogue and collaboration to avoid disruption of airport transport services nationwide.