The Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) has blamed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for creating a hostile operating environment that contributed to Uber Technologies’ decision to withdraw from Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to urgently intervene.

NUPCO said Uber’s exit, which commenced on September 2, 2026, should serve as a warning over the impact of what it described as unilateral and punitive policies imposed on cab operators at the nation’s airports.

In a statement signed by its National President, Adeola Adepegba, the union said the primary catalyst for the ride-hailing company’s exit was the combination of FAAN’s policies and the harsh economic realities confronting businesses in Nigeria.

According to the union, FAAN’s multiple access fees, pick-up and drop-off levies and other charges had made airport operations increasingly unsustainable for private cab operators, while the cost was ultimately passed on to passengers through higher fares.

NUPCO also faulted FAAN’s ban on vehicles below the 2012 model year, claiming that the policy had disqualified more than 70 per cent of legitimate cab operators from accessing airport terminals.

It alleged that the vehicle restriction was introduced without palliatives, financing options or an adequate transition plan for affected operators.

The union further accused FAAN of sidelining it from policy formulation and stakeholder engagement, despite its claim to represent professional cab operators in the country.

NUPCO warned that Uber’s departure was not merely the loss of one company, arguing that it could result in thousands of direct job losses, increased transport costs, reduced transportation options for air travellers and a chilling effect on foreign technology investors.

Against this backdrop, the union called on the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation to immediately intervene and suspend FAAN’s levies and the 2012 vehicle restriction pending a stakeholders’ review.

It also demanded that FAAN recognise NUPCO as the legitimate representative of cab operators and commence immediate dialogue with the union.

NUPCO urged the National Assembly to investigate FAAN’s revenue drive and its impact on ease of doing business, employment and investment in the transport sector.

The union said the airport remained a public facility and should not be treated as the private estate of any government agency.

“No agency should use its position to kill businesses and push investors out of Nigeria,” NUPCO said.

The union appealed to civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support its call for an end to what it described as FAAN’s impunity, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, safety and order in the cab operating sector.