The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it is considering granting airport taxi operators a final extension until the end of the year to comply with new vehicle standards aimed at improving passenger experience across the country’s airports.
In a public notice issued this month, the authority said the proposed extension would represent the last opportunity for operators to upgrade their vehicles after more than two years of consultations and repeated deadline shifts.
FAAN said concerns raised by members of the Association of Private Cab Operators over vehicle replacement requirements and revised operational charges had been taken into consideration.
The authority said the vehicle upgrade policy forms part of broader reforms intended to improve safety, reliability and comfort for passengers using airport transport services.
“Airport transportation services are often among the first and last experiences travellers have when entering or leaving the country,” the statement said.
FAAN noted that discussions on the policy began nearly two years ago, with operators first notified of the requirements well in advance. The original compliance deadline was extended several times following appeals from stakeholders and prevailing economic challenges.
According to the authority, the latest proposal could be the final extension.
“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until the end of this year. This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards,” the statement added.
Despite the possible extension, the authority stressed that operators had been given sufficient time to prepare and should not expect further postponements.
FAAN also defended the increase in operational charges for airport cab operators, saying the adjustment reflects current economic realities.
The agency noted that the previous N500 operational fee had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation, higher maintenance costs and increased operational expenses.
“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,” FAAN said.
The authority rejected claims that it failed to engage stakeholders, insisting that it maintains regular consultations with licensed transport service providers through established channels.
FAAN said its regulatory and contractual relationships are conducted directly with registered airport cab companies rather than associations or unions.
The latest directive forms part of wider reforms being introduced by FAAN as it seeks to align airport operations with international standards and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
