FAAN justifies new directives

Members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) have vowed to shut down airport operations nationwide on July 1, 2026, alleging that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was imposing hardship through unfair operational conditions.
   
The union vowed to engage all unions in the aviation sector, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN), to paralyse operational activities if the federal government does not urgently address the matter.
   
NUPCO also alleged that FAAN plans to displace members from their jobs as Nigerian car hire operators, who have been providing transportation and logistics services for flying passengers into and out of Nigeria, at both local and international airports, for over 50 years.
   
The union further alleged that FAAN aims to get its members out of the transportation business through its new policies and to bring in other operators.
   
Addressing newsmen yesterday, President of NUPCO, Adeola Adepegba, lamented that the FAAN management arbitrarily increased their tariff from N500 to N1,500, stating that the 200 per cent increase was uncalled for, considering the present state of Nigeria’s economy, the hardship and the masses’ poor purchasing power.
   
Stating that no genuine business would yield 200 per cent profit at present, he said the hike would automatically increase transport fares for passengers, which does not serve the overall interests of the economy.
   
Adepegba also disclosed that FAAN, through recent directives, mandated its members to stop using cars manufactured before 2012, effective July 1, 2026. Citing the harsh economic conditions and low patronage, he wondered how cab operators could afford newer, more expensive cars.
   
Adepegba also stated that FAAN has been forcing members to embrace an app-based digital operation system, to convert them to the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), whose scope he said is outside the union’s jurisdiction, as NUPCO only covers car hire operations at the airports, mall centres and hotels, among others, different from AUATON, which is an app-based ecosystem operation.

FAAN, in response, justified the policy, explaining that airports are the gateways to any nation and often provide the first and last impressions of a country’s image.

“Consequently, FAAN has a responsibility not only to ensure safety and security but also to uphold service quality across all touchpoints that passengers encounter, including airport transportation services.

“The directive requiring airport cab operators to upgrade to newer vehicle models is informed by the need to improve reliability, comfort, safety, and overall passenger satisfaction. This is consistent with international best practices and aligns with FAAN’s ongoing efforts to elevate service standards across its airports.

“Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport,” the management stated.

FAAN further clarified that it has not refused to engage airport cab operators, as the Authority maintains a structured stakeholder engagement framework and routinely interfaces with licensed airport transport service providers.

“However, FAAN’s contractual and regulatory relationship is with the registered cab companies operating within the airport environment and not with associations or unions acting on their behalf.

“Consequently, discussions and engagements on operational matters are conducted directly with the affected corporate entities in accordance with established procedures.”