UBER EXIT: Insights From Passengers On E-Hailing Drivers — FAAN MD

In the wake of the controversy surrounding Uber’s departure from Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has disclosed some passengers’ experiences traveling with e-hailing drivers in Nigeria.

Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, disclosed the development to reporters at the airport on Friday.

She claimed that e-hailing drivers had been the subject of multiple complaints to the airport agency, especially during the December 2025 holiday season.

“We received a lot of complaints from passengers who used some of the e-hailing services and car-hire services and had very unpleasant experiences, especially around the December holiday period.”

The explanation follows reports that Uber’s drivers are prohibited from performing commercial pick-ups at its airports.

While license agreements were being finalized and executed, FAAN temporarily prohibited e-hailing drivers from performing commercial pick-ups at airports under its control a few weeks ago.

Some observers criticized the development, claiming that the restriction on e-hailing operators was meant to make room for FAAN’s recently launched airport e-hailing platform, the Airport Car Hire and Ride Management System (ACHRAMS).

However, she claims that the goal of FAAN’s decision to control airport car-hire services is to safeguard travelers and enhance their experience at the country’s airports.

According to Kuku, some e-hailing drivers are already abusing the system, and complaints have reportedly ranged from intimidation and exorbitant fares to passengers being dropped off at unexpected locations.

“We also had situations where some Uber and Bolt drivers would get out of their cars under the guise of coming into the airport as e-hailing drivers, and then join the car-hire operators to charge higher fares.

According to the Authority, the situation led to complaints regarding touting and necessitated more regulatory oversight. As a result, FAAN introduced an application that gives passengers access to registered car-hire companies and the identities of the drivers who transport them from the airport to their destinations.

The Authority further stated that the rates listed on the platform are merely estimates and that it does not collect fares on behalf of the drivers.

Passengers are still free to select between e-hailing services and pre-booked car-hire services, she continued, adding that its obligations are restricted to maintaining accountability, safety, and visibility in the airport setting.

FAAN claims that Uber’s reported decision to leave Nigeria is a business and regulatory matter.

“I work for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and my first responsibility is to ensure that our passengers are safe, protected, and have a seamless passenger experience.

“Regarding Uber, I can’t speak to their exit from Nigeria. I’m sure they have their own economic and regulatory considerations as to why they chose to exit.”

I wish it were the passengers themselves coming out and sharing their experiences and perspectives on the Uber exit, rather than seeing it solely through the lens of the FAAN MD. In a nutshell, we will miss Uber — they have been a valuable part of our transportation landscape, and their departure leaves a void. While they’ve been kind and helpful, we may not know the full details behind their exit from Nigeria. Nonetheless, we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.