The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is considering extending the deadline for airport cab operators to upgrade their vehicles until October 2026, describing the move as a final opportunity for operators to comply with new service standards aimed at improving passenger experience at Nigerian airports.
The authority disclosed this in a public announcement issued on June 22, saying the proposed extension followed appeals by members of the Association of Private Cab Operators over the vehicle upgrade requirements and revised operational charges.
FAAN, however, stressed that operators should not expect any further extension beyond the proposed October deadline, noting that they had already been granted several extensions over a period of more than two years.
According to the authority, the vehicle upgrade policy is part of broader efforts to enhance the quality, safety, comfort and reliability of airport transportation services, which often provide travellers with their first and last impression of the country.
FAAN explained that discussions on the policy began in July 2024 when operators were first informed of the new requirements. It said the original compliance deadline was later shifted to January 2026 and subsequently extended to June 2026 in response to requests from stakeholders and prevailing economic conditions.
“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026. This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards,” the authority said.
While insisting that the policy is designed to improve service delivery rather than punish operators, FAAN maintained that adequate time had already been provided for compliance.
The authority also defended its decision to raise the operational tariff for airport cab operators from N500 to N1,500, saying the previous charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite inflation, rising maintenance costs and increased operational expenses.
According to FAAN, the revised tariff is necessary to sustain critical airport infrastructure, improve service delivery and ensure operational efficiency across airport facilities.
“The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services,” it stated.
On allegations of inadequate stakeholder engagement, FAAN dismissed the claims, insisting that it maintains regular consultations with licensed airport transport service providers through an established engagement framework.
The authority clarified that its contractual and regulatory relationship is with registered airport cab companies operating within airport premises and not with associations or unions representing them.
FAAN said the directive forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at aligning airport operations with international standards and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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