FAAN Denies Responsibility for Uber’s Exit from Nigeria, Emphasizes Passenger Safety

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has firmly stated that the agency played no role in Uber's recent decision to withdraw from the Nigerian market. 

Instead, she highlighted that FAAN's actions were motivated solely by the need to enhance passenger safety and address rampant touting at airports.

In a press briefing, Kuku addressed concerns following FAAN's temporary suspension of e-hailing drivers from conducting commercial pick-ups at airport facilities. 

The measure was implemented as FAAN seeks to finalize license agreements aimed at regulating the industry.

Kuku emphasized that Uber's exit was a business decision based on their internal evaluations, asserting, "I can’t speak to their exit from Nigeria... they have their own economic and regulatory considerations."

FAAN's interventions were prompted by numerous complaints from travelers, particularly during peak travel periods, about unpleasant experiences with e-hailing services.

 Reports of intimidation and drivers dropping passengers at unintended locations were among the serious issues raised.

The FAAN MD alleged that some drivers misrepresented themselves, posing as legitimate e-hailing operators while engaging in car-hire services that charged higher fares. This exploitation, coupled with complaints of touting, necessitated regulatory oversight from FAAN.

To combat these issues, FAAN has introduced a new app aimed at improving transparency and providing passengers with essential information about their drivers and car-hire companies.

Kuku clarified that FAAN does not operate car-hire services or handle payments, reiterating that their role is simply to ensure passenger safety and visibility regarding who is transporting them.

Passengers retain the freedom to choose between pre-booking a ride, using an e-hailing app, or opting for car-hire services, with Kuku asserting, "We have no jurisdiction over that."

Disagreements between FAAN and e-hailing companies revolve around liability and responsibility for driver conduct. While FAAN agreed to dedicated pick-up zones, Kuku expressed concerns over e-hailing companies not accepting responsibility for their drivers.

She noted, "We were told that those drivers are not Uber’s drivers; rather, they are independent drivers," creating a dilemma regarding safety accountability.

In conclusion, Kuku dismissed claims that FAAN's policies influenced Uber's exit, stating that the company had been contemplating this decision for some time. "It has nothing to do with FAAN," she affirmed, underscoring that the airport is just a small part of Uber's broader operations in Nigeria.